• The Invention of the Steam Engine

    Author(s):
    Rochelle Forrester (see profile)
    Date:
    2019
    Subject(s):
    Technology, History
    Item Type:
    Article
    Tag(s):
    James Watt, Thomas Newcomen, Denis Papin, seperate condenser, Thomas Savery, discovery of steam power, invention of steam engine, industrial revolution, properties of gases, History of technology
    Permanent URL:
    http://dx.doi.org/10.17613/2a7q-4w91
    Abstract:
    This paper was written in order to examine the conditions needed, and the order of the discoveries made, for the invention of the steam engine. There were a number of conditions necessary for the invention of the steam engine. A vital one was the presence of a need, initially that of how to get water out of mines and later how to drive the new machinery that was being produced as part of the industrial revolution. But needs are common and they are not always met. The reasons why those needs were met was due to the scientific progress that was going on in 16th and 17th century Europe concerning the knowledge of atmospheric pressure, how to create vacuums and of the properties of gases. Allied to this scientific progress was a belief in Europe at the time that progress could be made and problems could be solved. The inventors at the time applied scientific knowledge to solving the problems that existed and after long periods of trial and error, including the development of new and better materials, were able to produce a working steam engine. Crucial to the progress made by the inventors was the diffusion of scientific and engineering knowledge which enabled them to build on each other’s work. The earlier development of printing was important to the diffusion process and the role of organizations such as the Royal Society was also important.
    Metadata:
    xml
    Status:
    Published
    Last Updated:
    4 years ago
    License:
    Attribution

    Downloads

    Item Name: pdf the-invention-of-the-steam-engine.pdf
      Download View in browser
    Activity: Downloads: 704

    Back to Deposits