The Steam Engine
The idea of using steam for driving stationary machinery originated in the early centuries. For a long time, no one seemed to have thought of using steam
for transportation purposes. In the earlier historical records, there is mention of "heat engines," which were used for organ blowing, the turning of spits, and
like purposes. But from this early date until the 17th century, practically no progress was made in the use of steam. Though men had experimented with
steam up to this time with more or less success, the world is chiefly indebted for the developed type of the steam engine to James Watt and George
Stephenson.
James Watt, who secured the position as a maker of scientific instruments in the University of Glasgow, proposed an idea for improving the existing steam
engine, which was used for pumping mines. For a long time, owing to a lack of money, he had difficulty in establishing the merits of his improvements.
Finally, he formed a partnership with Matthew Boulton, a wealthy and energetic man who lived at Birmingham, England. They began the manufacture of
steam engines at Birmingham, under the firm name of Boulton and Watt. This partnership was very successful. Watt supplied the inventions; Boulton
furnished the money and attended to the business.
Before the time of Watt, the steam engine was exclusively a steam pump-slow and wasteful of fuel. Watt made it a quick, powerful, and efficient engine,
requiring only a fourth as much fuel as before. Under his first patent, the engine was still used only as a steam pump, but his later improvements adapted it
for driving stationary machinery of all kinds. The commercial success of his engine was soon fully established.
George Stephenson further modified Boulton and Watt Company's creation. Stephenson initiated the use of steam for carrying passengers and goods. In
Cantambar 107 the first train narend une the and anneistad of this four an uninhing all told ninah tane The train ne nulled by Conhannon's
time, and several persons claimed the honor of the invention; but it was Stephenson's practical mind which put it into good working order and made it
available. For he told Robert to try it in his new locomotive.
What does the excerpt add to the reader's synthesis about Stephenson's invention?
OA. Stephenson put improvements in place that would double the speed of his first engine.
OB. Stephenson was adept at taking other's ideas and putting them to practical use.
○ C. Various mechanics had been working for a long time to perfect high-pressure steam engines.
D.
The key to developing successful steam engines came in establishing partnerships.