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James Watt

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.

Related

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

Timeline

Birth of James Watt

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

Birth of James Watt

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

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.

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.

Birth of James Watt

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

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.

James Watt returns to Glasgow

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

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.

Set up instrument shop at Glasgow University

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

James Watt opens a shop in Saltmarket, Glasgow

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

Began studying steam engines

In 1762, James Watt started studying steam engines.

Repaired a 'Newcomen' engine

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Partnership formed with Roebuck

In 1772, James Watt established a partnership with Roebuck.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Watt invents reliable pressure gauge

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

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.

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.

James Watt Retires

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

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.

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.

Death of James Watt

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

James Watt's Death

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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