| − | James Watt(January 19th, 1736 - August 19th, 1819) was a [[Scottish engineer]] and inventor who made many improvements to the steam engine. These improvements were fundamental to the changes of everyday life during the Industrial Revolution. Watt,the son of a merchant, was born in [[Greenock, Scotland]], on January 19, 1736. As a boy, he was not a good student. However, at the age of | + | James Watt(January 19th, 1736 - August 19th, 1819) was a [[Scottish]] [[engineer]] and inventor who made many improvements to the steam engine. These improvements were fundamental to the changes of everyday life during the Industrial Revolution. Watt,the son of a merchant, was born in [[Greenock, Scotland]], on January 19, 1736. As a boy, he was not a good student. However, at the age of |
| | 13, he began to study [[mathematics]], and attracted much attention due to his skill. At the age of 18 he entered the [[University of Glasgow ]]to learn to be a mathematical instrument maker. Watt left the school, but he returned in 1757 as the mathematical instrument maker for Glasgow. In 1764, the university sent him a model of the [[Newcomen]] steam engine. It immediately caught Watt's | | 13, he began to study [[mathematics]], and attracted much attention due to his skill. At the age of 18 he entered the [[University of Glasgow ]]to learn to be a mathematical instrument maker. Watt left the school, but he returned in 1757 as the mathematical instrument maker for Glasgow. In 1764, the university sent him a model of the [[Newcomen]] steam engine. It immediately caught Watt's |
| | attention, and he became determined to build a practical one. Five years later, Watt patented his new steam engine in 1769. Watt became a member of the [[Royal Society]] and went on to make many more inventions. He died at age 83 in Handsworth, Staffordshire on August 19th, 1819. | | attention, and he became determined to build a practical one. Five years later, Watt patented his new steam engine in 1769. Watt became a member of the [[Royal Society]] and went on to make many more inventions. He died at age 83 in Handsworth, Staffordshire on August 19th, 1819. |