Which came first 2-stroke or 4-stroke?

We all know this and it has been told to us again and again...
4-stroke engines are better than 2-stroke engines. They are more efficient, less polluting etc. Also we know that 2 stroke engines make more power ( Because they have a power stroke every crank cycle!!). However, did any of you think why was there a 2-stroke engine in the first place if 4-stroke engines are so good.
Infact i just wikied this

Invention of the two-stroke cycle is attributed to Scottish engineer Dugald Clerk who in 1881 patented his design, his engine having a separate charging cylinder.

Now also wiki says

The four-stroke engine was first patented by Eugenio Barsanti and Felice Matteucci in 1854, followed by a first prototype in 1860. It was also conceptualized by French engineer, Alphonse Beau de Rochas in 1862.

As it is clear 1854 is before 1881, why did some one build an apparently less efficient version of the engine?
I believe the answer is as follows

• The 2-stroke engine is much lighter than its 4-stroke counterpart. It has no valves (intake or exhaust) hence no Camshafts & Cams. This also translates to lesser needs of lubrication. You can just add the lubricant to your fuel and you should be good.
• They could be constructed in lesser space because of lesser number of components, making them a good option for lawn mowers, power saw's etc.
  

Due to the above factors it made the 2-stoke engines much cheaper than the 4-stroke versions. Modern 2-stroke engines have started employing Gasoline direct Injection.
The 2-stroke has come a long way and still remain favourites among hard core bikers who drool at the power produced by these machines ( Remember the Rx-100). They have their issues when it comes to thermal handling ( they get heated faster and need to be cooled more) but that can be handled by having bigger engine cooling fins ( Greater the surface area of the fins better cooling!!). So next time you ride a RX...remember that they came after the 4-stroke versions.

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