Benjamin Thompson 

Benjamin Thompson was born in Massachusetts, he apprenticed to a local merchant. Began experimenting with heat when he was 16. He was friends with an older guy who accompanied him to Harvard lectures. Thomson joined the side of the British during the Revolutionary war. He experimented with cannons and gunpowder. Thompson refuted the prevailing “caloric” theory of heat. He invented/ improved chimneys, fireplaces, and “Rumford’s soup”. He established the Royal Institution in 1799. He abandoned his first wife and divorced his second.Thompson’s reputation was strong in Britain because of his publishing history. He assisted German royalty. The American Academy of Arts and Sciences made him a member.  His theories on heat transfer stirred controversy. He was named “Count Rumford” in the Holy Roman Empire in 1701 and he was given lots of land.

Gas lighting

William Murdoch worked for James Watt, he erected and repaired Watt’s steam engines. Murdoch experimented with gas. He invented a portable gas lantern. Then he installed gas lighting in his own house. Gas light provides illumination all night long. They require less effort to maintain. Gas companies installed gas lunges throughout cities. The lights lengthened the working day. Murdoch lit the outside Soho Foundry in 1802. Others were trying to launch a gas light industry too. Watt wasn’t interested until word came in about a potential competitor. Free market capitalism provides prompts that lead to market breakthroughs.

William Murdoch

William Murdoch was born in 1754. He received a Scottish presbyterian education. Murdoch walked 300 miles to go to work for James Watt Boulton and Watt recognized Murdoch’s mechanical skills almost immediately. Murdoch’s biggest invention was gas lighting, he improved Watt’s steam engine without much publicity. Murdoch developed a working model of a steam carriage (car). His inventive creativity extended to chemistry. He also invented numerous smaller things. Gas lighting spread rapidly because it wasn’t patented. Murdoch made a lot of wealthy influential friends in the lunar society. He won the Rumford medal in 1808. 

Screw- Cutting Lathe

Screw- cutting lathes had been in early stages of invention in the middle ages. Many were designed, but were not practical. Henry moudslay was a British inventor. He worked for a locksmith and honed his machining skills. Maudslay invented the first successful screw- cutting lathe. The new machine tool cut screws with high precision. Identical gadgets replaced custom made gadgets. Maudslay’s entrepreneurship and marketing helped his machine become successful. He then went into business for himself. Maudslay went into partnership with Burned to make blocks. News of Maudslay’s success spread. His device led to international success.