The Power of Heat Early Recognition

Heat is, in fact, the grand moving-agent of nature. Inertia, together with central forces, account for the local motion of planets and satellites on the earth heat is the source of motion without it the accidental factors of air resistance and friction would soon destroy all motion. There would be no rain, no winds, no variations in climate, no crops and indeed no life at all. (Cardwell, p. 187) 

Fire has been of paramount importance to humans from the beginning of their existence, its power so overwhelming that the early people worshipped it. Harnessing this power has been the aspiration of philosophers, dreamers, scientists, and engineers, through the years. Even today, the use of the nuclear fire of the sun represents the biggest, perhaps, dream of the human race. 

Applied Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics Early Events in the Recognition of the Power of 

1st Century B.C. Heron designs (builds ) the Aeolopile, a toy operating with steam. 

11th Century Gunpowder is probably used in China and India in cannons. 

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