James Watt was born in 1736 in Greenock, Scotland. He was a rather small child who had toothaches and migraines. He enjoyed mathematics and learned carpentry from his dad. His father was a carpenter but primarily worked in shipbuilding. Watt learned about the navigational aids on ships such as quadrants, compasses, telescopes. By his mid teens he knew he wanted to become an instrument maker.
In 1754 Watt went to Glasgow. Robert Dick, a University scientist, was impressed with Watt's basic skills at instrument making, but recognized the need for special training. Dick encouraged Watt to go to London for training. Watt spent two weeks in London looking for an apprenticeship opportunity.
John Morgan, an instrument maker in London agreed to take …show more content…
Watt set up his shop, but found that other instrument makers shunned his credentials and training. He was an outsider in Glasgow. The University professors recognized his abilities. They got permission to set up a shop for Watt on University’s campus. Even with the new position, Watt still had trouble finding enough work since the other instrument makers were somewhat hostile. He started making musical instruments to avoid competition. His musical instruments were improvements over existing models and business began to grow. In 1758, an architect gave him backing to open a new shop in the center of Glasgow. His business and reputation grew steadily and by 1763, he had apprentices of his own, but he was not out of …show more content…
The Bentley Mining Company had taken a substantial risk by getting rid of a half-built Newcomen engine and replacing it with the Boulton-Watt engine. In 1763 the university asked him to repair one of their Newcomen steam engines. It is the first practical device to use steam power to produce mechanical work. Watt realises it’s also extremely inefficient. For several decades it’s been used in mines to pump out water. With little design improvements in over a half a century, Watt sees a lot of potential, with a lot of money to be made. But most of the literature available on the subject is in French and Italian. So Watt learns those languages. Boulton & Watt manufactured his steam engine design and their first customers came from the mines. Purchasers are happy to pay for an engine that uses just one third of the coal needed by the Newcomen model. Watt exhausts himself travelling the country personally ensuring each machine’s success. But Boulton often follows as many exploit Watt’s appalling business
In 1754 Watt went to Glasgow. Robert Dick, a University scientist, was impressed with Watt's basic skills at instrument making, but recognized the need for special training. Dick encouraged Watt to go to London for training. Watt spent two weeks in London looking for an apprenticeship opportunity.
John Morgan, an instrument maker in London agreed to take …show more content…
Watt set up his shop, but found that other instrument makers shunned his credentials and training. He was an outsider in Glasgow. The University professors recognized his abilities. They got permission to set up a shop for Watt on University’s campus. Even with the new position, Watt still had trouble finding enough work since the other instrument makers were somewhat hostile. He started making musical instruments to avoid competition. His musical instruments were improvements over existing models and business began to grow. In 1758, an architect gave him backing to open a new shop in the center of Glasgow. His business and reputation grew steadily and by 1763, he had apprentices of his own, but he was not out of …show more content…
The Bentley Mining Company had taken a substantial risk by getting rid of a half-built Newcomen engine and replacing it with the Boulton-Watt engine. In 1763 the university asked him to repair one of their Newcomen steam engines. It is the first practical device to use steam power to produce mechanical work. Watt realises it’s also extremely inefficient. For several decades it’s been used in mines to pump out water. With little design improvements in over a half a century, Watt sees a lot of potential, with a lot of money to be made. But most of the literature available on the subject is in French and Italian. So Watt learns those languages. Boulton & Watt manufactured his steam engine design and their first customers came from the mines. Purchasers are happy to pay for an engine that uses just one third of the coal needed by the Newcomen model. Watt exhausts himself travelling the country personally ensuring each machine’s success. But Boulton often follows as many exploit Watt’s appalling business