360What happened in 1769?
5 moments from 1769 on 360n60, each told in 60 words or fewer.
- History · 5 January 1769
James Watt patents his improved steam engine
In January 1769, the Scottish engineer James Watt patented a steam engine with a separate condenser. It used far less coal than earlier engines, and with his partner Matthew Boulton, Watt built engines that powered mines, mills and factories. His work drove the Industrial Revolution, and the unit of power, the watt, honours him.
- On this day · 5 January 1769
James Watt patents his improved steam engine
On 5 January 1769, the Scottish engineer James Watt received a patent for a separate condenser, which made steam engines far more efficient. His engines went on to power factories, mines and mills, and helped drive the Industrial Revolution. The unit of power, the watt, is named after him.
- 1769 · from James Watt patents his improved steam engine
Patent granted
- 1769 · from The 1760s: the Industrial Revolution gathers pace
Arkwright's water frame; Watt's patent
- 1769 · from Thomas Savery patents a steam pump to drain mines
Watt's separate condenser