Because there were limited sources
of power, industrial development during the early 1700s was initially slow.
Textile mills, heavy machinery and the pumping of coal mines all depended
heavily on old technologies of power: waterwheels, windmills and horsepower
were usually the only sources available. Changes in steam technology, however, began to
change the situation. As early as 1712 Thomas Newcomen first unveiled his
steam-driven piston engine, which allowed the more efficient pumping of deep
mines. Steam engines improved rapidly as the century advanced, and were put to
greater and greater use. More efficient and powerful engines were employed in
coalmines, textile mills and dozens of other heavy industries. On the other
hand, spinning of cotton into threads for weaving into cloth had traditionally
taken place in the homes of textile workers.
