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James Watts prototype steam engine Old Bess, c1778
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James Watts prototype steam engine Old Bess, c1778
James Watts prototype steam engine Old Bess, c1778. Scottish engineer and inventor Watt (1736-1819) formed a successful partnership with the entrepreneur Matthew Boulton in 1775, building steam engines to power mills, factories and mines. Watts designs with a separate condenser were more efficient than earlier steam engines. In this engine, which was erected at the Soho works, Birmingham, England, in 1777-1778, reciprocating motion was turned into rotary motion by a sun-and-planet gear train
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Media ID 14865123
© Oxford Science Archive / Heritage-Images
Boulton Engineering Industrial Revolution Invention James Watt Matthew Matthew Boulton Oxford Science Archive Power Prototype Steam Steam Engine Steam Power Watt Gearing
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the iconic James Watt's prototype steam engine, Old Bess, dating back to 1778. James Watt, a renowned Scottish engineer and inventor, joined forces with entrepreneur Matthew Boulton in 1775 to revolutionize the industrial landscape by constructing powerful steam engines for mills, factories, and mines. What set Watts' designs apart was his innovative inclusion of a separate condenser that significantly enhanced efficiency compared to earlier models. The image captures this remarkable engine erected at the Soho works in Birmingham, England between 1777-1778. It beautifully illustrates how reciprocating motion is ingeniously transformed into rotary motion through a sun-and-planet gear train mechanism. This groundbreaking invention symbolizes the essence of engineering brilliance during the Industrial Revolution. With its monochrome aesthetic and intricate detailing engraved on metal plates, this print transports us back to Britain's eighteenth-century scientific advancements. The significance of Old Bess lies not only in its mechanical prowess but also as an embodiment of progress and ingenuity that shaped our modern world. Preserved within this photograph is the legacy of two visionaries - James Watt and Matthew Boulton - who forever altered the course of history through their contributions to science and industry. As we gaze upon this striking image from Heritage Images' collection curated by Oxford Science Archive, we are reminded of their pioneering spirit that continues to inspire generations even today.
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