[ants_everywhere]

This isn't quite true, although it's commonly said.

For steam engines, the first commercial ones came after and were based on scientific advancements that made them possible. One built in 1679 was made by an associate of Boyle, who discovered Boyle's law. These early steam engines co-evolved with thermodynamics. The engines improved and hit a barrier, at which point Carnot did his famous work.

This is putting aside steam engines that are mostly curiosities like ones built in the ancient world.

See, for example

- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermodynamics#History

- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steam_engine#History