Watt, James
The Scotsman James Watt (1736 - 1819), son to a shipwright, was an inventor, engineer and chemist.
Initially, he was educated at home by his mother, later going on to attend Grammar School.
He invented the Watt steam engine, the first truly efficient steam engine, which was introduced commercially in 1776. The oldest surviving Watt engine is Old Bess of 1777
He also developed a method for making copies of letters or drawings.
He lent his name to the watt, the unit of power.
See also
Last modified:10 January 2026 2.51 p.m.