James Watt, 1736–1819

Distinguished investigators and newer researchers together illustrate the state of the field concerning James Watt (of steam engine fame) as a major figure in the transition to modern science and engineering. Bookending this volume, edited by Malcolm Dick and Caroline Archer-Parré, are a timeline of Watt’s life and work, and Fiona Tait’s explanation of the various archives related to James Watt, his family and business papers (the Archives of Soho), which she processed and catalogued for the Library of Birmingham. In between, the topics illuminate today’s historical concerns, from Watt’s scientific activity to his political context to the role of commemoration in cementing status claims. Peter M. Jones’s lifetime of research into the practical applications of Enlightenment thinking presents the intellectual framework (from Calvinism and beyond) in which Watt worked, and addresses the question of Watt-as-scientist directly. Although Jones concedes that this characterisation emerged in the legal pursuit of Watt’s

Art history · Enlightenment · Physics · Power (physics · Theology · Watt · Diverse Historical and Scientific Studies · Historical Philosophy and Science · History · History of Science and Medicine · Philosophy