The Life and Legend of James Wattoffers a deeper understanding of the work and character of the great eighteenth-century engineer. Stripping away layers of legend built over generations, David Philip Miller finds behind the heroic engineer a conflicted man often diffident about his achievements but also ruthless in protecting his inventions and ideas, and determined in pursuit of money and fame. A skilled and creative engineer, Watt was also a compulsive experimentalist drawn to natural philosophical inquiry, and a chemistry of heat underlay much of his work, including his steam engineering. But Watt pursued the business of natural philosophy in a way characteristic of his roots in the Scottish “improving” tradition that was in tension with Enlightenment sensibilities. As Miller demonstrates, Watt’s accomplishments relied heavily on collaborations, not always acknowledged, with business partners, employees, philosophical friends, and, not least, his wives, children, and wider family. The legend created in his later years and “afterlife” claimed too much of nineteenth-century technology for Watt, but that legend was, and remains, a powerful cultural force.
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Biography of James Watt by Nandini Saraf: Nandini Saraf presents an illuminating biography of James Watt, the Scottish inventor and mechanical engineer known for his groundbreaking improvements to the steam engine. This engaging narrative delves into Watt's life, inventions, and lasting impact on the Industrial Revolution. Key Aspects of the Book "Biography of James Watt": Steam Engine Revolution: Saraf explores James Watt's pivotal role in transforming the steam engine, a development that revolutionized industries and paved the way for modern machinery. Engineering Innovations: Readers will gain insights into Watt's inventive mind and the engineering breakthroughs that shaped the course of history. Legacy and Influence: The biography examines Watt's lasting legacy and how his contributions continue to resonate in the world of engineering and industry. Nandini Saraf is a skilled biographer and historian, with a particular interest in the lives of inventors and pioneers who have shaped human history. In "Biography of James Watt," Saraf brings to life the story of James Watt, whose transformative innovations in steam engine technology propelled the Industrial Revolution forward. Through meticulous research and engaging prose, Saraf captures Watt's remarkable journey from humble beginnings to becoming a visionary inventor whose impact is still felt today.
Richard Hills has worked from original records, checking printed versions where necessary and has shed new light on thus far obscure areas of Watt's life and personality. The book is fully referenced, and will be a valuable source-book for future Watt scholars, being not only a biography of Watt but also providing detailed accounts of the projects, machines and inventions with which he was concerned. Vol. 2 includes: the development of the mine pumping engine and its introduction to Cornwall; Problems encountered in Cornwall and the Cornish Metal Company; Watt's letter copying machine; Financial problems of Boulton and Watt; Development of the rotative steam engine - the crank and parallel motion; Watt's family and his advice as a technical consultant to the Pneumatic Institution in Bristol; Patent trails; Reconciliation with J.Watt junior and founding the Soho Steam Engine Manufactory in retirement
Excerpt from James Watt When the publishers asked me to write the Life of Watt, I declined, stating that my thoughts were upon other matters. This settled the question, as I supposed, but in this I was mistaken. Why shouldn't I write the Life of the maker of the steam-engine, out of which I had made fortune? Besides, I knew little of the history of the Steam Engine and of Watt him self, and the surest way to obtain knowledge was to comply with the publisher's highly complimentary request. In short, the subject would not down, and finally, I was compelled to write again, telling them that the idea haunted me, and if they still desired me to undertake it, I should do so with my heart in the task. I now know about the steam-engine, and have also had revealed to me one of the finest characters that ever graced the earth. For all this I am deeply grateful to the publishers. I am indebted to friends, Messrs. Angus Sinclair and Edward R. Cooper, for editing my notes upon Scientific and Mechanical points. The result is this volume. If the public, in reading, have one tithe of the pleasure I have had in writing it. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.
