James Watt was born on January 19, 1736, in Greenock, Scotland.¹⁾

He is renowned for his significant contributions to the development of the steam engine, which played a crucial role in the Industrial Revolution.²⁾

Watt's interest in mechanics and engineering was sparked at a young age, leading him to tinker with various machines.³⁾

In 1755, Watt became an instrument maker at the University of Glasgow, where he honed his skills in instrument construction and repair.⁴⁾

Watt's career took a turn when he was asked to repair a Newcomen steam engine, inspiring him to improve its efficiency.⁵⁾

He developed the separate condenser in 1765, a critical innovation that dramatically increased the efficiency of steam engines.⁶⁾

Watt patented his steam engine improvements in 1769, laying the foundation for widespread industrial applications.⁷⁾

The unit of power, the watt, is named in his honor, recognizing his contributions to the field of engineering.⁸⁾

Watt formed a partnership with Matthew Boulton, a prominent Birmingham manufacturer, to manufacture and market his steam engines.⁹⁾

The partnership between Watt and Boulton endured for over 25 years, making significant advancements in steam engine technology.¹⁰⁾

Despite the success of the partnership, Watt faced financial challenges throughout his life, grappling with patent infringement issues and legal battles.¹¹⁾

He continued to refine his steam engine designs, introducing innovations like the double-acting engine and the sun and planet gear.¹²⁾

Watt's inventions revolutionized industries such as textile manufacturing, transportation, and mining, driving economic growth during the Industrial Revolution.¹³⁾

The Royal Society of London elected Watt as a fellow in 1785 in recognition of his scientific contributions.¹⁴⁾

Watt also had a keen interest in chemistry and conducted experiments on the composition of water and gases.¹⁵⁾