Thomas Savery's invention of the Savery engine, developed in the late 17th century, was a significant advancement in the realm of steam technology, particularly in its application for pumping water. Before Savery's work, the idea of using steam power was primarily theoretical, with early steam devices like Hero of Alexandria's aeolipile serving more as curiosities than practical tools.
The key change brought about by the Savery engine was the practical application of steam pressure to perform work, specifically to move water from mines. Prior to this, water was typically removed from mines by manual labor or horse-powered devices. Savery's engine demonstrated that steam could be used to create vacuum pressure that could lift water, which fundamentally altered previous approaches to water management in mining and heavy industry.
Savery's engine also paved the way for the later development of more efficient steam engines, such as those created by Thomas Newcomen and James Watt. Thus, Savery's innovation changed the previous understanding of steam not just as a heat source but as a powerful tool for mechanical work, leading to the broader Industrial Revolution and advancements in various engineering fields.