Stephenson:Neal:The System of the World:3:Newcomen and Lostwithiel (Neal Stephenson)

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Lostwithiel is fictional. Newcomen is a real historical figure. Alas, not that much is known about him. I have tried to do justice to him based on what little is known and on what I know of engineers in general.

Google "Trevithick" to find all sorts of information about the development of early steam engines in Cornwall.