Lives of Boulton and Watt. Principally from the Original Soho Mss. Comprising also a history of the invention and introduction of the steam engine

"Lives of Boulton and Watt. Principally from the Original Soho Mss." by Samuel Smiles is a historical account written in the mid-19th century." This work delves into the lives and partnership of two pivotal figures in the industrial revolution, Matthew Boulton and James Watt, focusing on their contributions to the development and perfection of the steam engine. The narrative not only highlights their professional relationship but also interlinks their personal stories, thus providing an enriched view of their era's technological advancements. "The opening of the book introduces the context of Boulton and Watt's partnership, setting the stage for a detailed exploration of steam power and its pioneers." It highlights Boulton's shift from his successful ormolu business to the steam engine industry, illustrated by a compelling anecdote involving King George III, showcasing Boulton's ambition to create "power." The narrative begins by connecting historical figures, such as Roger Bacon and the Marquis of Worcester, discussing ancient experiments and ideas surrounding steam power. It emphasizes the significance of these early inventors in laying the groundwork for the innovations that Boulton and Watt would later build upon, setting a rich historical backdrop for their collaborative journey in engineering. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Samuel Smiles was a British author and government reformer. Although he campaigned on a Chartist platform, he promoted the idea that more progress would come from new attitudes than from new laws. His primary work, Self-Help (1859), promoted thrift and claimed that poverty was caused largely by irresponsible habits, while also attacking materialism and laissez-faire government. It has been called "the bible of mid-Victorian liberalism" and had lasting effects on British political thought.