>>The invention of individual diving suits in the early 18th century allowed a more refined exploration of the ocean depths. The initial drive for the creation of diving suits was to aid salvage missions, at a time when many ships (carrying many treasures) were lost to the ocean on perilous journeys. The first diving suits were designed in 1710s and in 1715, English inventor John Lethbridge created the first fully-enclosed suit, consisting of watertight sleeves, a pressurised air filled barrel and a viewing hole. >>In 1797 in Poland, Karl Heinrich Klingert was the first to develop a full-body diving suit made of a metal helmet, wide metal girdle, and pants and a vest made of waterproofed leather. With the use of a pump turret, air could be supplied to the diver via a long, weighted tube. Link has vintage photos.