The Tale of a Tea-kettle'. James Watt as a boy watching the kettle boiling in the fire. Watt (1736-1819) made great improvements to the steam engine, one of the most significant being the separate condenser. In 1774 he went into partnership with Matthew Boulton (1728-1809) the Birmingham manufacturer and entrepreneur. Illustration by Ebenezer Landells (1808-1860) English illustrator and engraver, from Illuminated Magazine. (London, 1844). Wood engraving.