The steam engine may seem like a relic of the past. But without this game-changing invention, the modern world would be a much different place.

Steam engines, believe it or not, have been around for over 300 years. In England in 1698, Thomas Savery patented the first working steam engine—this was a simple machine that utilized the ...

Today, Savery’s version of the steam engine is known as the Savery Pump. Here’s how it works, from Michigan State University: The Savery pump required pressurized steam to force the water upwards.

Savery's machine had its weaknesses, it weakened considerably under high steam pressure, around 117 psi. But, showing the quality of any good scientist, Savery was eager to improve upon his ...