Josef Božek (Polish: Józef Bożek) (28 February 1782 in Biery – 21 October 1835 in Prague) was an engineer and inventor from Cieszyn Silesia, labelled by various sources as Czech or Polish. The area was part of the Austrian Empire during much of his life. He is considered one of founders of Czech mechanics. He put into operation one of the first steam engines in the Czech lands. His sons, František and Romuald, also became accomplished engineers. External links Steam engine engineers Engineers for the Austrian Empire Inventors from the Austrian Empire Czech engineers Polish engineers Czech inventors Polish inventors Czech mechanical engineers Polish mechanical engineers 1782 births 1835 deaths People from Cieszyn Silesia People from Cieszyn County