James Watt

Introduction

James Watt, Scottish inventor and eminent mechanical engineer, prominent for his upgrading of the steam engine. He was born in Greenock, Scotland on January 19, 1736. AT the age of 19, he worked as a mathematical-instrument maker and soon showed his interest in improving and upgrading the steam engines, which were invented by the English engineers James Watt describes the properties and characteristics of steam in relation of its density to its pressure and to temperature. He proposed and devise a separate condensing steam chamber to present massive steam losses in the cylinder and improved the vacuum conditionsIn 1969, Watt's registered his first patent to protect this device. Along with his first patent, Watt did other improvement on the existing steam engine. These improvements include lubricating the engine, steam jacketing and to maintain the heat in the cylinder, insulating it to ensure utmost efficiency (Lord, pp. 72-73).

Watt needed a financer and so he worked as a partner of John Roebuck, a British inventor, who had sponsored his researches. Later, in 1775, British manufacturer Matthew Boulton, owner of the Soho Engineering Works at Birmingham, took over Roebuck's interest and he and Watt initiated the construction of steam engines. During the process, Watt did not stop his researches and patented numerous other significant inventions, these inventions include the rotary engine for driving different kinds of machinery; the double-action engine, which is a powerful engine what injects steam alternately from both sides of the cylinder; and the steam indicator, to records the pressure of steam in the engine. At the age of 64 i.e. in 1800, he retired from the company and dedicated his life entirely to research work.

Because of his exceptional contribution in the development of the steam engine from its fundamental nature, it is mistakenly believed that Watt was the actual creator of stream engine. The flyball or centrifugal governor that he invented to control and regulate the velocity of the engine is of meticulous interest. The feedback principle of servomechanism that discusses about linking input and output, was also embodied from Watt's centrifugal governor. The unit of electricity, Watt, was also named after this esteemed inventor. Watt also contributed in civil engineering, conducted several surveys of canal routes. In 1767, he invented an attachment for telescopes to measure the distances. They term horsepower is also coined by Watt. James Watt died on Aug 19, 1819 in Heathfield, England. By the time he died, from his extraordinary contributions, he had changed history. James Watt was indeed the most reputable engineer who had ever lived.

Biography

James Watt was born in Greeknock near a seaport on the Firth of Clyde, Scotland on 19th January 1736. His father was a ship owner, shipwright and a contractor. Watt's mother, Agnes Muirhead, was from a distinct background and was well educated and learned woman. Both parents were Presbyterians dedicated covenanters. James Watt was a weak and thin child and suffered from regular migraines, headaches and toothaches during his childhood and adult life. At first, he was ...