John Elder | |
|---|---|
&sq=&lang=&file=File:PSM_V12_D555_John_Elder.jpg) John Elder | |
| Born | 8 March 1824 |
| Died | 17 September 1869 (aged 45) |
| Resting place | Glasgow Necropolis |
| Nationality | Scottish |
| Education | High School of Glasgow, Glasgow |
| Occupation | engineer |
| Spouse | Isabella Elder (m. 1857) |
John Elder (8 March 1824 – 17 September 1869) was a Scottish marine engineer and shipbuilder. He was born at Glasgow on 8 March 1824. His family was connected with Kinross, where, for several generations, his forefathers had followed the occupation of wrights, for which they seemed to have a special aptitude.
He followed his father in constructing marine steam engines and in 1854 established the compound engine as its most efficient form, which made the use of steamships more competitive than sail (also see Maritime history#Age of Steam). He took out numerous patents and expanded the business to employ thousands of workers.