Benjamin Thompson, Gas Lights, Screw Cutting Lathes

Benjamin Thompson was born in Massachusetts. He experimented with cannons and gunpowder. He drew designs for warships. The American Academy of Arts and Science made him a member.

William Murdoch was born in 1754. William walked 300 miles to go to work for James Watt. Murdoch's biggest invention was gas lighting. Gas lightning spread rapidly because it wasn't patented. Gas companies installed gas lines through the cities. Murdoch lit the outside of the Soho Foundry in 1802. Theaters helped spur the rapid adoption of electric light. AC power replaced DC power.

Screw cutting lathes had been in the early stages of invention in the middle ages. It made it easy to make screws.