Beam EnginesOver three hundred years ago, the first steps were made towards the use of steam power. Most of these steps went beyond the boundary of available technology. The reliable drainage of metal and coal mines was the incentive. Thomas Newcomen, using contemporary technology in his beam engine, was the first to achieve success in 1712. Improved by James Watt, the beam engine became the most used form of steam engine in factories, mines, and waterworks until