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First Steam Engine Invention
In 1668, Thomas Savery made the first ever prototype for a steam engine. It was used originally in the mining industry to draw out large amounts of water using the pressure of Steam. The engine is almost an exact replica from a previous model from around twenty years before by Edward Somerset. However, Edward died before he could release the mining steam engine. -
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Buildup to Industrial Revolution - Development of the Steam Engine
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Invention of the Newcomen Steam Engine
In 1712, the idea of the Newcomen steam engine was created by Thomas Newcomen. The Newcomen steam engine worked by using pressurized steam to create atmospheric pressure which would push cylinders into pistons. The Newcomen steam engine was once again used to pump water out of mines and not to power factories, but however, it was used widespread across Britain and getting a lot of publicity -
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Industrial Revolution
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Watt and Boulton steam engine
The Watt and Boulton steam engine was one of the biggest evolutions in the Industrial Revolution. It was originally designed by James Watt around 1765 but not finally developed until 1969. James Watt was unable to get the proper parts for the steam engine which caused it to test poorly. After Matthew Boulton joined the project and let James use his factory, they were able to design a successful steam engine. -
Watt and Boulton steam engine becomes commercial
In 1776, the first ever Watt and Boulton steam engine began being sold commercially. The watt steam engine almost instantly took over because of how efficient it could be with such low fuel. It began being used to power factories instead of waterwheels which were used at the time. This allowed many more factories to be built as they no longer needed to be near a river. -
The first steam powered trains
In 1784, William Murdoch, a man that worked for James Watt, proposed the idea of a steam-powered locomotive. Watt initially dismissed the idea, but Murdoch ended up inventing a working steam powered train himself. This also started the use of locomotives for human transportation.