Petrache Poenaru, born in 1799, invented a pen, the forerunner of the modern fountain pen.

Petrache Poenaru was a precocious child, being taught at the age of five. He was a student in Vienna and Paris, traveled to France and Britain, specializing in the mining and metallurgical industries. He was also a teacher, inspector and director of the National Schools Ephorate and helped found several cultural institutions.