James watt

James Watt (1736–1819) was a Scottish inventor and engineer whose improvements to the steam engine helped power the Industrial Revolution. Born in Greenock, Scotland, Watt showed an early talent for mathematics and mechanical instruments. Although he struggled with formal schooling, his curiosity and skill led him to work as an instrument maker, a trade that would shape his later inventions.
Watt’s most important contribution came in the 1760s when he was asked to repair a model of a Newcomen steam engine. He noticed that the engine wasted large amounts of energy by repeatedly heating and cooling the same cylinder. His key innovation was the separate condenser, which allowed steam to be condensed in a different chamber while keeping the main cylinder hot. This change dramatically increased efficiency and reduced fuel consumption. With the financial backing of industrialist Matthew Boulton, Watt was able to refine his designs and bring them into widespread use.
Beyond improving efficiency, Watt developed mechanisms that allowed steam engines to produce rotary motion, making them suitable for driving machinery in factories, not just pumping water from mines. His work helped transform industries such as textiles, mining, and manufacturing. In recognition of his impact on science and engineering, the unit of power—the watt—was named in his honor. James Watt’s innovations played a crucial role in shaping the modern industrial world.