Was Watt's steam engine truly original?
Originality is a complex matter. The fundamental principle of using steam to create a vacuum was established by others. However, I found that the manner in which this was implemented led to considerable loss. The great waste of steam arose from the existing design. My patents, such as the one for the separate condenser in 1769, describe specific mechanical arrangements and principles that addressed these shortcomings directly. I built upon existing knowledge, certainly, but the practical, economic, and significant improvements I introduced were, I believe, novel and essential for the engine's widespread application.
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