Engineering drawing, by James Watt

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This engineering drawing is the work of James Watt (1736-1819). It dates from around 1800, when he was working in Birmingham.

It is an original technical drawing of the engine supplied by Messrs. Boulton & Watt of Soho in Birmingham, to Messrs. Bott, Birch, Bowes and Randall. The diagram is one of six, and shows the detail of the parallel motion, invented and patented by Watt in 1784. It was incorporated in the rotative beam engine between 1785 and 1800.

By 1800, Boulton & Watt had manufactured 496 engines: 38% of these were pumping engines, 62% were rotative engines and the more practical for mill use. The parallel motion made the steam engine more efficient.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-104-199-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1924.301.1 E
• Date: Around 1800
  c. 1800
  
• Material: Drawing / engineering / engine / seating
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Drawing / engineering / engine / seating
  
• Subject: 12. HEAT ENGINES, Steam (Departmental Classification)
  18. MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, Drawings (Departmental Classification)
  
• Who: Messrs Bott, Birch, Bower and Randall (Owner of engine and seating)
  Messrs Boulton and Watt (Supplier of engine and seating)
  
• Where:
• Event:
• Description: One of a portfolio of old drawings of engineering interest - an original drawing of the engine and seating supplied by Messrs Boulton and Watt to Messrs Bott, Birch, Bower and Randall, c. 1800
  
• References:
  • Also Robinson, Eric & Musson A. E., James Watt and the steam revolution. London: 1969 
  • See Hills, Richard Leslie, Power from steam: A history of the stationary steam engine. Cambridge: 1989 
• Translations:
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