John Smeaton

Biography and Contributions of John Smeaton: Born in Austhorpe, Leeds, England Joined father’s law firm before becoming a mathematical instrument maker Elected Fellow of the Royal Society in 1753 Won Copley Medal in 1759 for research on waterwheels and windmills Conducted water wheel experiments over seven years to increase efficiency Identified compositional requirements for hydraulic lime in concrete Coined term ‘civil engineers’ to distinguish from military engineers Founded Society of Civil Engineers in 1771 Pioneering constant of proportionality named ‘Smeaton’s coefficient’ Highly regarded by engineers for contributions to the Lunar Society Engineering Projects and Works of John Smeaton: Designed third Eddystone Lighthouse in 1755 Pioneered use of hydraulic lime and dovetailed granite blocks in lighthouse construction First expert witness in an English court for engineering expertise Devised water engine for Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew in 1761 Built first 5sailed smock mill in Britain in 1782 Erected highly efficient atmospheric engine at Chacewater mine Applied Denis Papin’s idea to a diving bell for underwater work Works include publications on wind and water power, lighthouse construction, improvements to the mariner’s compass, and raising water by fire Legacy and Recognition of John Smeaton: Died in 1792 and buried in Whitkirk, West Yorkshire Surviving daughters erected a memorial in the parish church Founded the Society of Civil Engineers and influenced the Institution of Civil Engineers Smeaton Tower substructure at Eddystone Lighthouse Recognition includes a civil honor mention in The Times, profile at the BBC, and association with Westminster Abbey and the Royal Academy of Arts References and Further Reading on John Smeaton: Works referenced in publications such as the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography and Great Men of Great Britain Further reading materials on Smeaton’s life, contributions, and engineering projects External links to media related to John Smeaton, resources at the Linda Hall Library, and a video on YouTube discussing his work Unsourced Material and Additional Information: Unsourced details about Smeaton’s death, proposals for memorials, and his involvement with the Lunar Society Mention of a proposal to bring the upper section of Eddystone Lighthouse as a memorial Links to related topics like the United Kingdom portal, transport portal, canals of the United Kingdom, and the history of the British canal system