Wednesday 27 November 2013

The Greenockian Behind Those Light Bulb Moments

Light bulb moments -  what have they got to do with Greenock?

 
We all have to change a light bulb at some time.  A 60 watt bulb used to be the usual for a main light and 40 watt bulb for a table lamp.  The higher number of watts (symbol W), the stronger the light.  The international standard unit of power known as a watt is named after Greenock's most famous son - James Watt.  This is a photograph of a statue of Watt which can be seen right beside the Municipal Buildings in Greenock.


Watt was born in Greenock in 1736 to a well established family.  I won't go into the full story, you can read about him here.  His improvements to the steam engine kick-started the industrial revolution and the rest, as they say, is history.


So, the next time you have to change a light bulb or have an "illuminating" light bulb moment, just remember the famous Greenockian - James Watt.
 
The Greenockian

4 comments:

  1. Nice contrast with the building behind. Glad to see the statue is illuminated at night!

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  2. Oh yes - Britain and the world would have been a very different place without Mr Watt. Good post!

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  3. I didn't know that James Watt was born in Greenock, many thanks for the lesson.
    Beautiful statue packed into a perfect photo!

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Your comments are very welcome.