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James Watt
(1736 - 1819)

picture of James Watt

Scottish inventor James Watt was a mechanical engineer who radically improved the steam engine. He also helped Humphry Davy build a unique nitrous oxide chamber so Davy could research the gas. Davy is better know as a chemist than an exponent of philosophical idealism, but on emerging from the chamber, Davy once exclaimed: "Nothing exists but thoughts. The universe is composed of impressions, ideas, pleasure and pain."

Gregory Watt, a son of James Watt, introduced Davy to Thomas Beddoes.

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