Watt, James

Aiton's Encyclopedia (1910)

James (1736-1819), a Scotch inventor. He was a native of Greenock. He was educated for the trade of making mathematical instruments. He spent some time in London shops studying for this purpose. He was accounted an ingenious, skillful workman. He opened a shop on his own account in Glasgow. He was appointed instrument maker by the University of Glasgow. He obtained employment also in making surveys and in preparing reports on canal, river, and harbor improvements for the government. He became interested in the crude steam engines of the day. In 1769 he took out a patent for a separate receptacle in which to condense the steam. In this way he became the inventor of the modern steam engine . Five years later he formed a partnership with a manufacturer of Birmingham and was instrumental in building up the most noted engine works in the world. He was an inventive man. He interested himself in such problems as a fuel-saving furnace, copying ink, and the chemical composition of water. He was also what might be termed a learned man, having read widely in chemistry, physics, architecture, and even in music and law. He was elected a fellow of the Royal Society of London and the Society of Edinburgh. He was also a member of the National Institute of France. His work on the steam engine entitles him to a place in the list of the world's great inventors. The modern unit of electrical activity has been named the watt in his honor, 746 watts being equal to 1 horse-power per second. A statue in his honor has been set up at Birmingham. The oft told tale of the boy James getting an idea from the dancing lid of his mother's teakettle appears to have no foundation. See Steam Engine