Electric power

While appealing to their interest in inventions and in men who accomplish great things, may it also bring them into contact with ideas which grip their hearts, fire their imagination, and mold their ideals into worthier forms.

End of Preface CHAPTER I. INVENTIONS OF STEAM AND ELECTRIC POWER JAMES WATT AND THE INVENTION OF THE STEAM ENGINE Until a little more than 100 years ago, the chief power used in the production of food, clothing, and shelter was hand power.

Cattle and horses were used to cultivate the fields.

Windmills and water wheels were employed to grind corn and wheat, but most tools and machines were worked by hand.