Edmund Cartwright, British inventor

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Edmund Cartwright (1743-1823), British inventor. Cartwright was a clergyman who, after visiting Richard Arkwright's factory, became interested in new methods of weaving. In 1785 he invented a power loom. He patented a wool-combing machine in 1789 and an alcohol-fueled steam engine in 1797. Despite filing numerous patents, his inventions did not make him much money. To reward his achievements the British Government awarded him ten thousand pounds in 1809. He retired to a farm in Kent and continued inventing, making improvements to farm machinery.

Maria Platt-Evans / Science Source

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