Here's why:
* Early work with bimetallic strips: Watt, known for his contributions to the steam engine, experimented with bimetallic strips in the late 18th century. He used them to regulate the temperature of steam engines by adjusting the steam valve based on the strip's expansion and contraction.
* Not a traditional thermometer: Watt's bimetallic strip application was more about temperature control rather than precise temperature measurement.
* Advancements in bimetallic strips: Other inventors later refined the use of bimetallic strips for temperature measurement, creating what we recognize as the bimetal thermometer today.
Therefore, while Watt's work laid the foundation for the bimetal thermometer, it wasn't a fully realized device in his time.
It's important to note that the history of the bimetal thermometer is complex, involving contributions from multiple individuals. The invention is a product of cumulative advancements rather than a singular discovery.
