c. 1650-1715. British engineer who invented
the steam-driven water pump, precursor of the
steam engine, in 1696. The pump used a boiler
to raise steam, which was condensed (in a
separate condenser) by an external spray of
cold water. The partial vacuum created sucked
water up a pipe from the mine shaft; steam
pressure was then used to force the water
away, after which the cycle was repeated.
Savery patented his invention in 1698.