MEPX
Chapter 4 of 10All chapters
  1. 1How invention happens
  2. 2Ancient technologies
  3. 3Printing and paper
  4. 4Power and machines
  5. 5Medical breakthroughs
  6. 6Communication
  7. 7Computing
  8. 8Feeding more people
  9. 9Scientific discoveries
  10. 10Credit and consequences

Chapter 4 of 10

Power and machines

Muscle to engine.

Steam

Newcomen's engine pumped water from mines; Watt's separate condenser made it efficient enough for factories and later transport.

  • Coal made concentrated power available anywhere.
  • Railways and steamships reorganised trade and time itself.

Electricity

Generators, motors and the grid separated the place power is made from where it is used. Electric light extended usable hours and reshaped daily life.