Arthur Woolf

Arthur Woolf (1766 to 1837) was a Cornish engineer, most famous for inventing a high-pressure compound steam engine, and in this way he made an outstanding contribution to the development and perfection of the Cornish engine. He left Cornwall in 1785 to work for Joseph Bramah's engineering works in London, and worked as an engineer and engine builder until 1811, experimenting with high-pressure steam and a much improved boiler. Returning to Cornwall, he became chief engineer to Harvey and Company of Hayle, a leading firm for mine drainage engines. In 1803 he obtained a patent on an improved boiler for high-pressure steam, and in 1804 he patented his compound steam engine.