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⁾

He coined the term “horsepower” to quantify the output of his steam engines, providing a relatable measure for their capabilities.¹⁶⁾

Watt's work laid the groundwork for the development of modern power plants and the widespread use of steam engines in various applications.¹⁷⁾

In addition to his engineering prowess, Watt was a talented and respected surveyor, contributing to canal and waterway projects in Scotland.¹⁸⁾

Watt was a close friend of renowned engineer and inventor John Rennie, with whom he collaborated on various projects.¹⁹⁾

He received numerous awards and honors during his lifetime, including a doctorate from the University of Glasgow.²⁰⁾

Watt married his cousin Margaret Miller in 1764, and they had six children together.²¹⁾

His son, James Watt Jr., followed in his father's footsteps, becoming an engineer and inventor in his own right.²²⁾

Watt's interest in steam power extended beyond engines; he also worked on steam-driven pumps and other applications.²³⁾

He collaborated with chemist Joseph Black, who discovered latent heat, and their discussions influenced Watt's steam engine innovations.²⁴⁾

Watt's correspondence and friendship with leading intellectuals of his time, such as Erasmus Darwin and Josiah Wedgwood, enriched his scientific endeavors.²⁵⁾

Despite his contributions to industrial progress, Watt remained concerned about the social and environmental impacts of industrialization.²⁶⁾

In 1800, he retired from active involvement in the engineering business, passing on the legacy to his son and associates.²⁷⁾

Watt had a deep appreciation for the arts and supported the work of Scottish poets and writers.²⁸⁾

The University of Glasgow awarded Watt an honorary Doctor of Laws degree in 1806, recognizing his contributions to science and industry.²⁹⁾

His workshop, including many of his original instruments and tools, was preserved and is now displayed at the Science Museum in London.³⁰⁾