ABSTRACT
At this stage, too, another important character becomes closely associated with the new engine business. John Wilkinson, the famous Shropshire iron-master, had improved the method for boring cannon and had obtained a patent for his new invention in 1774.1 The new practice of having the casting rotate instead of the boring rod, increased the exactness of the bore considerably. The importance of this improvement to Watt's experiments cannot be exaggerated. One of his greatest difficulties-that of obtaining an accurate bore-was at once removed and the engine advanced from the experimental to the commercial stage. At the same time the foundation was laid for a very successful business alliance. We find that, while Boulton & Watt undertook to furnish from Soho only engine parts which, owing to their new and original design, demanded special skill and care of workmanship, they usually recommended Wilkinson, and even insisted that while the purchaser was free to order such parts as boiler, piston and piston rods from whatever source he liked, the cylinder was to be made by the Salopian.
