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Watt Steam Engine
The steam engine developed by the Scotsman James Watt (1736-1819) from 1769 was much more efficient in terms of power and fuel consumption than earlier models, and it significantly increased the possible uses for this key invention of the...
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The Steam Engine in the British Industrial Revolution
Steam power was one of the most significant developments of the Industrial Revolution (1760-1840) in Britain. First invented as a pump in the 1690s, a host of inventors tweaked designs and tinkered with machinery until an efficient and powerful...
Definition
Stephenson's Rocket
The Rocket was a pioneering steam-powered locomotive invented in 1829 by the British engineer Robert Stephenson (1803-1859). For a cash prize, extensive competition trials were held to find the best locomotive in the Rainhill Trials. Rocket...
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Map of Kenya with Tana River Indicated
A map of Kenya showing the Tana River highlighted in blue.
(By: Internal Map of the World (UTA) - derivative work: Svenskan)
Definition
British Industrial Revolution
The British Industrial Revolution (1760-1840) brought innovative mechanisation and deep social change. The process saw the invention of steam-powered machines, which were used in factories in ever-growing urban centres. Agriculture remained...
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Watt & Boulton Steam Engine
A Watt & Boulton steam engine, one of the key innovations of the Industrial Revolution. Dating to 1788, this example is the oldest original rotative steam engine in the world. Designed and built by James Watt (1736-1819) and Matthew Boulton...
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A Rotary Motion Steam Engine Model
A model of a rotary motion steam engine based on those built by James Watt (1736-1819) during the Industrial Revolution. Harnessing steam power in a wheel made the engines much more versatile than the older vertical piston engines.
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Newcomen Steam Engine Diagram
A diagram showing the essential design features of the early atmospheric steam engine designed by Thomas Newcomen (1664-1729) during the Industrial Revolution. Heated water (blue) creates steam (pink) which has a much great volume. When the...
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James Watt Working on the Steam Engine
An 1869 etching showing the Scottish instrument worker James Watt (1736-1819) developing a new design of steam engine in the 1760s and 1770s during the Industrial Revolution.
Definition
SS Great Eastern
The SS Great Eastern was a steam-powered ship designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel (1806-1859) which sailed on its maiden voyage from Liverpool to New York in June 1860. At the time, it was by far the largest passenger ship ever built, a record...