# Thomas Savery

> English inventor and engineer

**Wikidata**: [Q310720](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q310720)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Savery)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/thomas-savery

## Summary
Thomas Savery was an English inventor and engineer known for his contributions to early mechanical engineering, particularly the development of the first practical steam pump. His work laid foundational principles for industrial machinery, influencing later innovations in steam power.

## Biography
- Born: c. 1650 (exact date unknown)
- Nationality: England
- Education: Trained as a mechanical engineer
- Known for: Inventing the first practical steam pump
- Employer(s): Royal Society
- Field(s): Mechanical engineering

## Contributions
- **Steam Pump (1698)**: Designed the first practical steam pump, which used steam pressure to lift water from mines. This invention was a precursor to the steam engine and demonstrated the potential of steam power in industrial applications.
- **Patent Filings**: Submitted patents for his steam pump design, contributing to early mechanical engineering patents in England.

## FAQs
**What was Thomas Savery known for?**
Thomas Savery is known for inventing the first practical steam pump in 1698, which used steam pressure to lift water from mines. His work laid the groundwork for industrial steam power.

**Where did Thomas Savery work?**
Thomas Savery was affiliated with the Royal Society, an English learned society for science, where he contributed his inventions and engineering knowledge.

**What field did Thomas Savery work in?**
Thomas Savery worked in mechanical engineering, focusing on the development of steam-powered machinery.

**When did Thomas Savery die?**
Thomas Savery died on May 1, 1715.

## Why They Matter
Thomas Savery's steam pump was a pivotal innovation in early mechanical engineering, demonstrating the practical application of steam power. His work influenced later inventors like Thomas Newcomen, who built upon Savery's principles to create the first true steam engine. While Savery's pump was not as efficient as Newcomen's engine, it proved the viability of steam in industrial processes, paving the way for the Industrial Revolution. His contributions remain foundational in the history of mechanical engineering and steam technology.

## Notable For
- Inventing the first practical steam pump (1698)
- Pioneering early steam-powered machinery
- Affiliation with the Royal Society
- Foundational work in mechanical engineering

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Thomas Savery was born around 1650 in England, though his exact birth date is not recorded. He trained as a mechanical engineer, developing skills in mechanical design and innovation. His early work focused on practical applications of steam power, which would later define his career.

### Career and Inventions
Thomas Savery's most significant contribution was the invention of the first practical steam pump in 1698. This device used steam pressure to lift water from mines, addressing a critical issue in coal mining. His design was a precursor to the steam engine, demonstrating the potential of steam power in industrial settings. Savery submitted patents for his invention, contributing to early mechanical engineering patents in England.

### Affiliations and Legacy
Thomas Savery was affiliated with the Royal Society, an English learned society for science, where he shared his inventions and engineering knowledge. His work influenced later inventors, including Thomas Newcomen, who built upon Savery's principles to create the first true steam engine. While Savery's pump was not as efficient as Newcomen's engine, it laid the groundwork for steam-powered machinery. His legacy endures in the history of mechanical engineering and the development of industrial steam technology.

### Death
Thomas Savery died on May 1, 1715. His inventions and contributions to early mechanical engineering continue to be studied and celebrated for their impact on industrial innovation.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. International Standard Name Identifier
3. Open Library
4. Great Norwegian Encyclopedia
5. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
6. Trove
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. CERL Thesaurus
9. Virtual International Authority File