Date: 1839
But, probably, the most important application of this principle to practical invention is that which more modern times afford — is that by which space and time are so much reduced, that the ends of the earth may, as it were, be said to be brought into contact, and by which we may hope that the lights of civilization and Christianity will be shed over the wide surface of the universal earth ; this important application of inductive science to practical invention was made by the illustrious James Watt.  The principles ofthe steam engine depend upon two facts: — first, the conversion of water into steam, and then the conversion of steam into water.  Suppose a tube with a cubic inch of water, having upon it a piston or plug, with a weight attached of fifteen pounds, apply to this a lamp, and put a thermometer into the water, when the water rises to 212 it will begin to boil, and the water to pass into steam, and the piston will begin to rise; still continuing the heat, it is found that the piston will have arisen 140 feet.