Introduction

This evening, I am focusing on James Watt a Glasgow based inventor and mechanical engineer. Through his refinement of the steam engine there occurred a significant increase in global prosperity as a function on the Industrial Revolution.

Statue of James Watt at Greenock, near Glasgow.

Information on James Watt

James Watt Display at Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, Glasgow

Watt’s life spanned the years 1736-1819.  It was during his time making instruments at Glasgow University that Watt made a design improvement to the Newcomen Steam Engine. This entailed the addition of a separate condenser which greatly improved the efficiency of the engine. Watt’s invention went on to power the Industrial Revolution and thereby create a huge rise in wealth and living standards.

The catalyst for his invention occurred whilst strolling on Glasgow Green  in the form of a ‘brain wave’. Glasgow Green remains an open space and public park today.

Facilities near Kinneil House in the east of Scotland facilitated practical implementation of Watt’s ideas.

Watt teamed up with a business partner named Boulton to form Boulton and Watt in order to commercialise his invention. This firm proved a success with Watt living to a good age of 82 years by which time he had accumulated substantial personal wealth. 

Glasgow Green

More Information

Please refer this link for more information on Scotland’s industrial history.There is also a section in the publication, Visitors’ Guide to Scotland. This book is heavily illustrated and contains a wealth of information on Scotland and it’s history. The ISBN is 978-1-9161332-0-4. Also available via Kindle.