Inventor: Thomas Newcomen

Thomas Newcomen, an English blacksmith, invented the powerful atmospheric steam engine in 1712. The first crude design and prototype of the steam engine was actually made by Thomas Savery in 1698, who in turn is actually rumored to have gotten the idea from Worcester. But, with no doubt, it was Newcomen of 1712 who combined the ideas of Huyghens, Papin, Savery, and many more men and successfully came up with a final plan that is said to be the direct predecessor of the steam engine that is used today.

The functions of the atmospheric steam engine are highly complex; it includes the workings of many different parts including the piston, the valve gear, and the cylinder (the steam engine itself is rather like a system—a combination of many different, smaller machines). Well, they all come together to make up the steam engine—a very revolutionary piece of work. Its new ways had an impact on the economy as well as the way of life: the steam engine was different news. It was like the new mitochondria—the new powerhouse—for the locomotives, steamboats, and factories.

As one enters the 1800s, one can clearly see that the steam engine (modified much by James Watt, in between) was adopted in America. Many American inventors used the steam engine to create steamboats and other inventions.

Picture from:
http://technology.niagarac.on.ca/people/mcsele/images/newcdiag.jpg

Sources:

About.com. Steam Engine History. 2 Jan. 2004 < http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blsteamengine.htm>.

• This site provided me with information on the invention of the steam engine, its uses, and how it works.