How did James Watt improve the steam engine?
My method was one of careful observation and persistent experimentation. I would first identify the sources of inefficiency in existing engines. The great waste of steam, for example, was evident in the constant need to reheat the cylinder. By employing a separate condenser, we could maintain the cylinder's heat, thereby conserving steam and fuel. I would then test and measure the results. Consider the 'parallel motion'; it was conceived to ensure the piston rod moved in a straight line, minimizing friction and wear, a problem I observed in the rocking motion of earlier designs. Precision in measurement and a relentless pursuit of reduced waste were key.
Ask James Watt the follow-up →