How the Emperor’s New Toy Gave Way to Your Car

The video explores the early history of the automobile, beginning in the 1670s with Ferdinand Verbius, a Flemish missionary and scientist. Verbius was sent to the court of the Kangzi Emperor in China, where he was initially imprisoned but later impressed the emperor with his skills in math and astronomy. As a result, he became the court astronomer and a close friend of the emperor. Around 1672, Verbius designed a steam-propelled trolley as a toy for the emperor, which is considered one of the earliest self-moving machines. Although it's unclear if it was ever built, Verbius' designs are significant in the history of automobiles.

What did Verbius teach the Emperor, and how did their relationship evolve?

What is significant about the steam propelled trolley designed by Verbius?