Piston engines are the heart of many machines we use today, from cars and airplanes to industrial machinery and motorcycles.

1664: Thomas Newcomen, creator of the first practical atmospheric steam engine, is born in Devon, England. Newcomen’s exact birth date is a matter of debate. Some sources say “before Feb. 24 ...

One of the first steam engines — dubbed the Newcomen engine after its creator Thomas Newcomen — was also formidable at 9.5 meters long and tall.

Inventor Thomas Newcomen (1663-1729) designed the world's first successful atmospheric steam engine. His invention earned him a place as one of the pioneers of the Industrial Revolution.

THE Newcomen Society met for its annual general meeting on November 10 at the Northampton Institute, London, when the report of the Council for the past year was submitted, and the election of ...

A GREAT deal has been written on the steam-engine generally, but the author has not met with any connected record of the invention and construction of the first steam-engine—the atmospheric ...

The Newcomen Beam Engine, the oldest steam engine in the world still in its original location, is ready to welcome visitors again after a winter break. Picture Jonathan Gawthorpe.