| Description | This bundle contains various papers relating to James Watt’s career and his various patents. These documents were gathered together as evidence for the arguments over Watt’s patent during Boulton & Watt’s opposition to Jonathan Hornblower and their legal actions in the 1790s. It includes correspondence with John Robison and Mousin Pouschkin, the Russian Ambassador in London, about Watt becoming Master of Iron Ordnance to the Empress Catherine the Great in 1771, and also drafts of patent petitions and specifications by Watt.
As will be seen from the old references, the contents of this bundle were scattered through the collection. The following documents listed on the original cover note were not found:
"Comparison between an Old Engine of J. Smeaton & B & W’s 1778"
"Mr. Smeaton’s corresp. 1778 & 1779"
"Mr. Palmer’s opinion of ye title of new Specification 1781"
"Duplicate of [Rotative Specification 1781]"
"Account of James Watt’s Invention"
For further drafts of James Watt’s patent petitions and specifications, see "Drafts of Patent Specifications and Petitions by James Watt" (MS 3147/2/27). |