Last Updated:

2024-04-17 15:45:11

James Watt

Scottish inventor of Watt steam engine

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Scottish inventor of Watt steam engine

James Watt, a Scottish inventor and engineer, revolutionized steam engine technology with his Watt steam engine in 1776. His separate condenser design greatly improved efficiency and power, leading to the widespread use of steam engines during the Industrial Revolution. Watt's partnership with Matthew Boulton brought commercial success, and his legacy is honored with the SI unit of power, the watt.

Robert Watson-Watt James Clerk Maxwell Thomas Newcomen Industrial Revolution Joseph Priestley James Dyson Michael Faraday Steam Engine Ludwig Boltzmann James Callaghan

1698

Thomas Savery patent

In 1698, Thomas Savery obtained a patent related to steam engines.

1712

Thomas Newcomen patent

In 1712, Thomas Newcomen was granted a patent for his steam engine design.

1734

Grandfather's Occupation

James Watt's grandfather, Thomas Watt, was a teacher of mathematics, surveying, and navigation.

1736-01-01

Birth of James Watt

James Watt, the inventor and mechanical engineer known for his improvements in steam engine technology, was born in 1736.

1736-01-18

Birth of James Watt

James Watt was born in Greenock on 18 January 1736. His father was a prosperous shipwright.

1736-01-19

Birth of James Watt

James Watt, the Scottish instrument maker and inventor whose steam engine greatly impacted the Industrial Revolution, was born on January 19, 1736, in Greenock, Renfrewshire, Scotland.

1736-01-30

Invention of Watt Steam Engine

James Watt improved on Thomas Newcomen's steam engine with his Watt steam engine in 1776, which was crucial for the Industrial Revolution.

1736-08-30

Birth of James Watt

James Watt, the Scottish inventor, was born on August 30, 1736.

1753

James Watt goes to Glasgow to become a maker of mathematical instruments

In 1753, James Watt traveled to Glasgow with the intention of pursuing a career as a maker of mathematical instruments.

1754-01

James Watt goes to Glasgow

In January 1754, James Watt went to Glasgow.

1755

James Watt moves to London to become an apprentice to an instrument maker

In 1755, James Watt relocated to London with the goal of apprenticing under an instrument maker, seeking to enhance his skills and knowledge in the field.

1756

James Watt returns to Glasgow

After completing his apprenticeship year successfully, James Watt returned to Glasgow in 1756 as a trained instrument maker.

1757

James Watt works as an instrument maker at the University of Glasgow

By 1757, James Watt had returned to Glasgow and started working as an instrument maker at the University, further honing his craft and expertise in the field.

1758

Set up instrument shop at Glasgow University

In 1758, James Watt set up an instrument shop at Glasgow University.

1759

James Watt opens a shop in Saltmarket, Glasgow

In 1759, James Watt opened a shop in Saltmarket, Glasgow where he sold instruments and toys.

1762

Began studying steam engines

In 1762, James Watt started studying steam engines.

1763

Repaired a 'Newcomen' engine

In 1763, James Watt repaired a 'Newcomen' engine owned by the University.

1764-07-16

Marriage to Margaret Miller

On July 16, 1764, James Watt married his cousin Margaret Miller. They had two children together.

1765-01-01

Discovery of Separate Condenser

In 1765, James Watt discovered a separate condenser while working on repairing a Newcomen engine. This discovery eventually led to significant improvements in steam engine efficiency.

1767

Watt works as a surveyor

In 1767, James Watt takes on the role of a surveyor for the Forth and Clyde Canal.

1768

Partnership between James Watt and John Roebuck

In 1768, James Watt entered into a partnership with John Roebuck after creating a small test engine with the help of loans from Joseph Black. This partnership led to further developments in steam engine technology.

1769-02-23

First Patent for Separate Condenser

James Watt obtained the first patent for his invention of the separate condenser, which he developed after identifying a flaw in the Newcomen engine. This innovation allowed him to significantly improve the efficiency of steam engines.

1769-04-29

James Watt's Patent 913 for separate condenser

In 1769, James Watt was granted Patent 913 for his invention of the separate condenser, a method to reduce steam consumption in steam engines. The patent was enrolled on April 29, 1769.

1771

James Watt leaves instrument making business

In 1771, James Watt left the instrument making business due to the inability to work out a deal with Roebuck, who had majority control of the patent for the engine.

1772

Partnership formed with Roebuck

In 1772, James Watt established a partnership with Roebuck.

1773-09

Death of Margaret Miller

In September 1773, James Watt's wife Margaret, who was pregnant with their third child, passed away while he was working in the Scottish Highlands.

1774-11

Watt's successful invention of the fire engine

In November 1774, James Watt wrote to his father about the success of his invention, the fire engine. The engine he invented was operational and performing well.

1775

Partnership with Matthew Boulton

James Watt entered a partnership with Matthew Boulton in 1775, which led to the establishment of the successful firm of Boulton and Watt.

1776-03

Introduction of Boulton-Watt engine at Bentley Mining Company

In March 1776, the Bentley Mining Company introduced the Boulton-Watt engine, replacing a half-built Newcomen engine. The engine's successful operation was witnessed by a newspaper reporter.

1777

Second Marriage to Ann MacGregor

In 1777, James Watt married Ann MacGregor, daughter of a Glasgow dye-maker, with whom he had 2 children. This marriage brought new beginnings for Watt and his growing family, shaping his personal life alongside his professional achievements.

1779

Development of copying machine process

In 1779, James Watt started developing a process for making copies of letters or drawings using a solvent to transfer ink from the original to a thin paper. This method was patented in 1780 and became a commercial success.

1780-05-31

James Watt's Patent 1,244 for new method of copying letters

In 1780, James Watt obtained Patent 1,244 for his innovative method of copying letters. The patent was enrolled on May 31, 1780.

1781-02

Patents for sun and planet gears, and the double-acting engine

Between 1781 and 1782, James Watt obtained patents for the sun and planet gears, as well as the double-acting engine, further solidifying his reputation as a pioneering inventor.

1782-07-04

James Watt's Patent 1,321 for new improvements upon steam engines

James Watt secured Patent 1,321 in 1782 for his advancements in steam engine technology, particularly in the development of expansive and double-acting engines. The patent was enrolled on July 4, 1782.

1782-08-25

James Watt's Patent 1,432 for new improvements upon steam engines

In 1782, James Watt was granted Patent 1,432 for his novel methods in enhancing steam engines, including the three bar motion and steam carriage. The patent was enrolled on August 25, 1782.

1783

Invention of Horse Power unit by Watt

In 1783, Watt experimentally calculated the unit of Horse Power, which later became a standard unit of power named after him.

1784-02-23

Release of Steam Engine

On February 23, 1784, James Watt released his improved steam engine, which played a crucial role in the Industrial Revolution by revolutionizing transportation and manufacturing processes.

1785-02-23

Election to Royal Society

James Watt was elected to the Royal Society, marking one of his greatest achievements. This recognition was a major milestone in his career and eventually led to his retirement.

1785-07-09

James Watt's Patent 1,485 for newly improved methods of constructing furnaces

James Watt received Patent 1,485 in 1785 for his advancements in constructing furnaces. The patent was enrolled on July 9, 1785.

1786

Watt invents centrifugal governor

In 1786, James Watt invented the centrifugal governor, a device that automated the speed of an engine for the first time.

1788-03

Discovery of Bleaching Process

In March 1788, James Watt, along with his father-in-law James McGrigor and wife Annie, successfully bleached 1,500 yards of cloth using a mixture of salt, manganese dioxide, and sulphuric acid to produce chlorine. This discovery was a significant advancement in the textile industry.

1790

Watt invents reliable pressure gauge

In 1790, James Watt created a reliable pressure gauge for his engines, improving their efficiency and safety.

1791

James Watt develops a new invention at the age of 45

At the age of 45, James Watt developed his next significant invention, building upon his previous innovations in steam engine technology. This new invention marked another milestone in Watt's illustrious career as an inventor and engineer.

1794

Boulton and Watt give up shares in copying machine invention

In 1794, Boulton and Watt gave up their shares in the copying machine invention to their sons. The invention, developed in partnership with James Keir, became widely used in offices.

1795

Mine owners in Cornwall withhold payments to Boulton and Watt

By 1795, mine owners in Cornwall withheld payments to Boulton and Watt due to disputes over patent infringement. This led to financial difficulties for Boulton and Watt.

1796

Opening of Soho Foundry

In 1796, the Soho Foundry was officially opened as a new facility for manufacturing engines. This marked a significant development in the partnership between James Watt and Matthew Boulton, as well as the involvement of Watt's sons in the management of the enterprise.

1800-02-23

James Watt Retires

James Watt retires after his hard work and contributions to the Royal Society and his inventions.

1806

James Watt Receives Doctor of Laws from the University of Glasgow

In 1806, James Watt was honored with a doctor of laws degree from the University of Glasgow, acknowledging his significant contributions to the fields of science and industry. This recognition highlighted his impact on the academic and scientific communities.

1814

James Watt Becomes Foreign Associate of the French Academy of Sciences

In 1814, James Watt was appointed as a foreign associate of the French Academy of Sciences, showcasing his international recognition for his achievements in science and industry. This honor further solidified his reputation as a prominent figure in the scientific community.

1816

Watt Memorial Library established

In 1816, the Watt Memorial Library was begun with James Watt's donation of scientific books. It was developed as part of the Watt Institution by his son and ultimately became the James Watt College.

1819-01-01

Death of James Watt

James Watt, the Scottish inventor and mechanical engineer known for his advancements in steam engine technology, passed away in 1819.

1819-08-19

James Watt's Death

James Watt passed away at the age of 83 in Heathfield, England, after living a fulfilling life.

1819-08-25

Death of James Watt

James Watt passed away on August 25, 1819, at Heathfield Hall near Birmingham, Warwick, England. He was known for his contributions to industry efficiency, including the invention of the steam engine and the double-acting engine.

1853

James Watt's garret room workshop viewed by J. P. Muirhead

In 1853, James Watt's garret room workshop that he used in his retirement was first viewed by his biographer J. P. Muirhead. The workshop was left untouched and preserved as a shrine.

1854

Publication of 'Origin and Progress of the Mechanical Inventions of James Watt'

James Patrick Muirhead published 'Origin and Progress of the Mechanical Inventions of James Watt' in 1854, detailing the mechanical innovations of James Watt.

1858

Release of 'The Life of James Watt'

In 1858, James Patrick Muirhead published 'The Life of James Watt', offering a biographical account of Watt's life with excerpts from his correspondence.

1924

James Watt's workshop contents presented to Science Museum

In 1924, when the house where James Watt's workshop was located was due to be demolished, the room and all its contents were presented to the Science Museum. The workshop remained intact and preserved.

1935

Publication of 'James Watt: Craftsman and Engineer'

The book 'James Watt: Craftsman and Engineer' was published in 1935 by H. W. Dickinson, focusing on the life and work of James Watt.

1949

Publication of 'James Watt and the Industrial Revolution'

In 1949, H. W. Dickinson and Hugh Pembroke Vowles published 'James Watt and the Industrial Revolution', which delves into the impact of Watt's inventions on the Industrial Revolution.

1960

Adoption of the Watt as an SI unit

The watt, named after James Watt, was adopted as the unit of power in the International System of Units (SI) in 1960 during the 11th General Conference on Weights and Measures.

2002

Release of 'Watt's Perfect Engine'

Ben Marsden's book 'Watt's Perfect Engine' was released in 2002, providing insights into James Watt's engineering achievements.

2008

James Watt featured on 2008 Europe Taler coin

James Watt is depicted on the largest silver medal coin in the world, the 2008 Europe Taler. This coin symbolizes the industrialization of Europe and the era of technical advancements.

2009-05-29

Boulton and Watt featured on new £50 note

On 29 May 2009, the Bank of England announced that Boulton and Watt would appear on a new £50 note. The design is the first to feature a dual portrait on a Bank of England note, and presents the two industrialists side by side with images of Watt's steam engine and Boulton's Soho Manufactory.

2011-03

James Watt's workshop put on public display at Science Museum

In March 2011, James Watt's garret room workshop was put on public display as part of a new permanent Science Museum exhibition, 'James Watt and our world'. The workshop remained intact and preserved.

2011-09

James Watt inducted to Scottish Engineering Hall of Fame

In 2011, James Watt was one of seven inaugural inductees to the Scottish Engineering Hall of Fame.

2019

James Watt Bicentenary Trail

In 2019, the James Watt Bicentenary Trail was introduced as a successful replacement for a previous event, due to major city center developments.

End of the Timeline
James Watt