James watt brief biography of sir francis

James Watt, the eldest surviving child of eight children, five of whom died in infancy, of James Watt — and his wife, Agnes Muirhead — , was born in Greenock on 19th January, His father was a successful merchant. According to his biographer, Jennifer Tann : "James Watt was a delicate child and suffered from frequent headaches during his childhood and adult life.

He was taught at home by his mother at first, then was sent to M'Adam's school in Greenock. He later went to Greenock grammar school where he learned Latin and some Greek but was considered to be slow. However, on being introduced to mathematics, he showed both interest and ability.

What engineering contributions is james watt known for?

At the age of nineteen he was sent to Glasgow to learn the trade of a mathematical-instrument maker. After spending a year in London , Watt returned to Scotland in where he established his own instrument-making business. He was also engaged in the improvement of harbours and in the deepening of the Forth, Clyde and other rivers in Scotland.

James Watt became very interested in the subject of steam power. In he got hold of a steam digester, a type of pressure cooker with a safety valve.

James watt inventions

It had been created by Denis Papin , a French mathematician. He looked at ways of improving the machine. He fixed an ordinary apothecary's syringe to the valve, and put a little piston inside it with a rod pointing out of the top. Between digester and syringe he fitted a steam cock which he could turn so that the steam either filled the syringe or escaped.

Thomas Savery had also tried to improve Papin's machine.