Benz engine distribution. Historical illustration of the distribution mechanism used in the engines from the Benz engineering company. This company was established in France, Paris by the sons of A. Piat. A distributor here refers to the ignition system of an internal combustion engine, in this case an industrial gas engine. The first practical gas engines were developed in the 1860s. Artwork from 'Moteurs' (1911) by French civil engineer Max de Nansouty (1854-1913), part of the 'Les merveilles de la science' series of 1867-1891 by Louis Figuier.