When was James Beaumont Neilson born and where did he grow up?
James Beaumont Neilson was born on the 22nd of June 1792 in Shettleston. His father Walter Neilson worked as a millwright and later became an engine wright at Calder Ironworks.
Questions about James Beaumont Neilson
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What invention did James Beaumont Neilson create to improve iron smelting?
James Beaumont Neilson invented the hot-blast process for smelting iron by passing air through a red-hot vessel before entering the furnace. This method reduced fuel consumption to one-third of normal levels when heating air to 600°F.
How much money did James Beaumont Neilson earn from his patents by 1840?
By 1840, the annual income reached £30,000 from fifty-eight ironmasters who licensed the method widely starting in the early 1830s. The partners set the royalty rate at one shilling per ton of iron produced to discourage evasion of payments.
Why did James Beaumont Neilson sue Charles Baird in 1843?
James Beaumont Neilson sued Charles Baird because certain infringers refused to pay the required licensing fees despite the patent. The trial lasted ten days and cost £40,000 to conduct while further proceedings resulted in an award of damages totaling £160,000.