Where The Word 'Horsepower' Came From

Where The Word 'Horsepower' Came From
Photo by Violeta Pencheva / Unsplash

The video delves into the fascinating origin of the term "horsepower," tracing its inception to the late 18th century. It illustrates how Scottish engineer James Watt coined the term to compare the power of his steam engines with that of horses, which were the primary source of mechanical power at the time. Through engaging visuals and historical anecdotes, the video explains Watt's method of quantifying horsepower based on the work a horse could do, and how this concept became a standard measure for engine performance. It’s a compelling look at how a practical solution to a technical challenge shaped the language of engineering and industry.

WATCH: