Thomas Newcomen

Thomas Newcomen was an English inventor who, in the early 18th century, created the atmospheric steam engine, which was a significant advancement in technology. His engine used steam to create a vacuum that powered a piston, effectively pumping water out of mines. This innovation significantly improved efficiency in coal and metal extraction and laid the groundwork for future steam-powered machines. Newcomen's work was crucial to the Industrial Revolution, as it demonstrated the potential of steam power, paving the way for later developments by inventors like James Watt.