Timeline of steam power

Development phases

Early examples

• 1st century AD – Hero of Alexandria describes the Aeolipile, as an example of the power of heated air or water. The device consists of a rotating ball spun by steam jets; it produced little power and had no practical application, but is nevertheless the first known device moved by steam pressure. He also describes a way of transferring water from one vessel to another using pressure. The methods involved filling a bucket, the weight of which worked tackle to open temple doors, which were then closed again by a deadweight once the water in the bucket had been drawn out by a vacuum caused by cooling of the initial vessel.
• He claims it was built by Pope Sylvester II.
• Late 15th century AD: Leonardo Da Vinci described the Architonnerre, a steam-powered cannon.

  Development of a practical steam engine

The Newcomen Engine: Steam power in practice

Watt's engine

Improving power

• Earlier versions of the steam engine indicator were in use by 1851, though relatively unknown.