人们都知道:英国人詹姆斯·瓦特发明了蒸汽机,并由此引发了工业革命。然而瓦特发明蒸汽机的时代和技术背景、以及瓦特成功的漫长而艰辛的道路,人们都知之甚少。本文对此作一个说明。工匠们的贡献有些人认为蒸汽机是科学和科学家奉献给人类的最好礼物,然而英国科学史的主流观点 People all know: the British James Watt invented the steam engine, and thus triggered the industrial revolution. However, little is known about the age and technical background of Watt’s invention of steam engines, and the long and arduous journey Watts succeeded in. This article gives a description of this. The contribution of artisans Some people think that steam engine is the best gift of science and scientists to mankind, but the mainstream view of British history of science