Watt worked in a small workshop, located next to the University he attended. He worked repairing things for his colleagues. One day, a close colleague of his came to him with a blue print for the Newcomen steam engine. After examining it for quite some time, James realized that the machine was defective.

The Newcomen steam engine's problem was that the boiler was not able to alternate from hot to cool without wasting power. Watt concluded that the boiler needed to be as hit as the steam itself to be effective. However, to do this, steam had to be condensed. So, in the end, Watt added a larger boiler, which would stay hot, and a condenser, which stayed cool to help keep the cycle going. No alternation was needed at this point, which, in conclusion, made the steam engine more practical.

James Watt is credited for starting the history of the modern steam engine. Obviously, since his time in the1700s, we have advanced even more in steam engine technology, but without his kick start, who knows where it'd be today? Also, because of other inventions Watt was involved in over the years, his last name was used to name a unit of measurement and mechanical power ("watt")