It amazes me how they actually designed and implemented a working submarine back then.
They did...and it worked, just not so well for the sailors that did it nor the ones that tested it. But for it's time, it was indeed a technological miracle.
If you ever get the chance to see it, they have a simulated one that you can sit in. It was TINY, I couldn't even fit in it if you had a crowbar. Truly is amazing and it's one of the charities I donate to.
Regards,
Do you know who holds the patent for the ballast tank system used in submarines? Abraham Lincoln. It was originally a system to lift ships off of sand banks.
The first working combat submaring dates back to the American revolution:
http://www.history.navy.mil/library/online/sub_turtle.htm