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This illustration of the experiments on latent heat carried out by James Watt (1736-1819), scientist and engineer is important because it shows the observation and skill of an important man of the 18th century, whose work helped to make possible a rapid increase in the industrialization of Britain. As a result of such experiments, James Watt improved the steam engine and developed its use in mines, mills, factories, boats, etc.

The story was told that Watt’s aunt chided him, when a boy, for laziness, as he watched a kettle boiling on the fire and observed how the steam condensed onto a silver spoon held near it. From such observations, he worked out the need for the separate condenser to make the steam engine more efficient.

The Papers of James Watt & Family are part of the Archives of Soho, and are held at Birmingham City Archives [Ref. MS 3219].

Category: People , Process , Paper

Institute:  Birmingham Libraries Central Library

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