James Nasmyth’s Mighty Steam Hammer Nasmyth’s invention was the forerunner of the modern pile driver, and its successful introduction in 1832 epitomized the rapid development of steam-power technology in Britain. In this painting by the inventor himself, workers manipulate a massive iron shaft being hammered into shape at Nasmyth’s foundry near Manchester.

(Ann Ronan Pictures/Print Collector/Getty Images)