Encyclopedia Alba

Watt, James

A lot of people in the late Eighteenth Century had ideas about a steam engine, but it was James Watt (1736-1813), a Scottish engineer, who came up with the best invention. His steam engine was the most powerful and helped industry in the mills and factories. It later grew into the steam train carrying passengers up and down countries all over the world.

James Watt is said to have been inspired by watching a kettle boil. The power of the steam lifted the lid of the kettle.

Researcher: Gareth D. K. Elliott.