1-152-718 - Oxford Science Archive/Heritage Images

Schematic view of a Newcomen steam engine, early 19th century. Thomas Newcomen (1663-1729) designed his atmospheric or 'steam' engine in 1712. Water was heated in the boiler and the resulting steam was let into the cylinder, pushing up the piston. The steam was then condensed, bringing down the piston. The piston rocked the beam which worked the pump. It was safer and more effective than the earlier Savery engine and was widely used to drain water out of mines.