The Newcomen Engine

The Newcomen Engine, developed in the early 18th century, was an early type of steam engine used primarily to pump water out of mines. It operated by boiling water to create steam, which then pressured a cylinder. The steam's pressure pushed a piston down, which was connected to a lever system that moved a pump’s piston up and down. Once the steam cooled and condensed back into water, a weight or spring would pull the piston back up, ready for the next cycle. This invention marked a significant step in harnessing steam power for industrial purposes, paving the way for later, more efficient engines.