James Watt

Revolutionized steam engine technology, powering the Industrial Revolution

James Watt (1736-1819) transformed global industry through his improvements to steam engine efficiency. While working on repairing a Newcomen engine in 1765, Watt conceived the separate condenser - a breakthrough documented in historical records that doubled engine efficiency.

Watt's innovations included:

Parallel motion linkage (1784)
Sun and planet gear mechanism
The concept of horsepower measurement

His partnership with Matthew Boulton through the Boulton & Watt company made steam power commercially viable. By 1800, over 500 Watt engines were pumping water from mines and powering factories.

The Watt steam engine became the workhorse of the Industrial Revolution, enabling:

Mechanized textile production
Improved mining operations
Early railroad development

The SI unit of power (watt) bears his name, testifying to his enduring impact on engineering and energy systems worldwide.

Literary Appearances

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Cinematic Appearances

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