James Watt Argumentative Essay Example

Black, a friend of his, he gained knowledge about heat, temperature, and the characteristics of steam. After extensively studying steam engines, James Watt became the only person with enough expertise to improve the steam engine of that time. Despite Newcomen's prior development of the steam engine, James Watt was close to making significant advancements to it without realizing how it would greatly impact the industrial revolution. While fixing the machine, Watt became intrigued by its excessive fuel consumption. As a result, he started thinking about ways to reduce fuel usage and discovered that it primarily stemmed from heating and cooling pistons and other metal parts which consistently required more heat.

James Watt improved the steam engine by adding an insulated main cylinder, which maintained a constant high temperature and reduced fuel consumption by about 75%. He also developed a condenser that recycled five out of six units of wasted steam by converting it back into water. Additionally, Watt skillfully incorporated a leather washer into the piston cylinder to ensure a tight seal and prevent steam leakage, a problem that had existed previously. In 1767, Watt formed a partnership with Dr. Roebuck, an acquaintance he had at that time. Dr.

Roebuck, who paid off Watt's 1000 debt and supported his experiments, was declared two-thirds the inventor of the improved steam engine in return. On January 5th, 1769, the same day Watt acquired his first patent, Arkwright also obtained a patent for his 'Spinning-Frame'. Watt successfully ensured that his name was associated with the new steam engine, thanks to Dr. Roebuck's assistance.

Newcomen's initial steam engines were employed for the purpose of pumping water out from the mines in close

proximity. However, by 1783, most of Newcomen's engines had been replaced by those created by Watt. In September 1769, Watt completed a sizable steam engine; nevertheless, he himself did not give it his approval and regarded it as a 'clumsy job'. The recently introduced condenser was not functioning efficiently, and there were issues with the cylinder's shape which resulted in leakage and steam escaping. Simultaneously, Roebuck began retiring while Matthew Boulton, who was only seventeen years old at the time, left school to join his father in the family business. Ultimately after his father's demise, Matthew Boulton assumed control of the business.

Roebuck was in contact with Boulton regarding Watt's communication as well.