Fan

The Fan

By Sebastien Sparrow
  • 4000 BCE

    The First ever Fan

    4,000 BC – The Egyptians implored their servants to fan them with palm leaves, which became the first invention of the fan.
  • 180

    The second fan

    180 A.D. – The Chinese pioneered the mechanizing fan that was human powered.

  • The doctor's fan

    1830s – A doctor in Florida used blades to fan air from ice blocks to cool down sick patients.

  • The Wheeler

    1882 – Schuyler Skaats Wheeler applied electricity developed by Thomas Edison and Nicola Tesla to make a fan turn without human or horsepower. The first electric fan consisted of just two blades without a protective cage.

  • The Roofs Friend

    1889 – The ceiling fan was patented by Philip H. Diehl.

  • Oscillating Fans

    1902 – Technology was created to produce the first functioning oscillating fan. At this time, Willis Carrier also invented air conditioning.

  • Oscillating Fan

    Technology was created to produce the first functioning oscillating fan. At this time, Willis Carrier also invented air conditioning.

  • Houses New Friend

    Ceiling fans were first marketed for household use.

  • House Fans

    Ceiling fans were first marketed for household use.

  • Silver Swan

    Emerson Electric Co. introduced the Silver Swan, a fan based on a propeller design with a cage.

  • Factory Air

    The Packard become the first car to offer optional “factory air” in a vehicle.

  • More efficient Fans

    Ceiling fans almost became obsolete due to the popularity of air conditioning. However, since the 60s, fans grew in popularity and became more energy efficient.