Patrick was born on an unknown month and day in 1730 and was associated with Nasmyth and others (Dundas and Symington) in the development of steam engines for driving ships.

This Cumbrian born scientist did research in the nature of light and on eyesight. He was born in Cockermouth on the 5th Sept. 1766.

He was an Artist and an Engineer from Edinburgh in Scotland. Born on the 7th Sept 1758, he developed the “bow string” construction that made bridges and roofs span wide distances. He also involved himself in the early development of steam to propel ships.

Born this day 3rd September 1728, this well known and respected business man partnered with engineer James Watt to make improvements to the stationary steam engine used to power factories and drain mines. Cleverly they did not patent their idea, they licenced it and took a cut of the fuel savings their condenser made possible.

Born on the 29th August, William was a trusted (Quaker) maker of medicines at a time when “over the counter” medicines could contain almost anything, even harmful substances. People knew they could trust him and knew that his medicine would work (or at least not harm them). He was also a social reformer and set up an “ideal” community in Surrey.

Born on the 22nd, he was an engineer, and machine tool maker as well as an inventor. His machine tools made for high accuracy and precise work which in its turn made better machines to allow high precision machine made parts.

Boulton and Watt’s talented workshop manager and Cornish agent, was born on the 21st. He also invented generating gas from coal and kicked off the gas lighting of the UKs streets and buildings. His bosses missed a trick, they would not support his idea.

All round genius of Civil Engineering, was born in Scotland on the 9th. He built miles of turnpike roads, outstanding-never-been-done-before bridges and canals.

Born on the 1st August, Chemist Richard Watson, who was also a Church of England Bishop.

On the 3rd Charles (Lord) Stanhope, inventor of an optical novelty and two colour security printing.

On the 6th William Hyde Wollaston who discovered how to refine platinum, experimenter in electricity and optics.

The past few months have been occupied with sending out Authors Drafts to various people and publishers for comment. I have had some very positive comments that has lead to a slight re-write of the opening section of the book (thanks John Chenery). I’ve also had some very positive comments from people who I asked to comment on the book as a reader, thanks to all of you who did it and gave me feedback.