William Symington (1764–1831) was a Scottish engineer and inventor during the Georgian era.[1] He is most well known as the builder of the first practical steamboat, the Charlotte Dundas.[2][3] The engine has been described as "without doubt the most compact and efficient marine steam engine up to that time" and its design would influence later steamboat and steamship engine designs.[1] While Symington died in povery after failing to commercialise his steam engine designs, he is still credited as one of the great inventors of the early Industrial Revolution.[4]
- ^ a b Skempton, A. W. (2002). A Biographical Dictionary of Civil Engineers in Great Britain and Ireland: 1500-1830. Ort nicht ermittelbar: Thomas Telford. p. 679-680. ISBN 978-0-7277-2939-2.
- ^ Rankine, J & W.H (1862). Biography of William Symington. A.Johnston.
- ^ Beggs-Humphreys, Mary (5 November 2013). The Industrial Revolution. Routledge. p. 46. ISBN 978-1-136-61331-9.
- ^ Castleden, Rodney (19 October 2020). Inventions that Changed the World. Canary Press eBooks. ISBN 978-1-908698-44-5.