What were the steam engines like before James Watt improved them?

Before James Watt's improvements in the late 18th century, steam engines were primarily inefficient and limited in their functionality. They were often large, cumbersome, and relied on atmospheric pressure, which meant they could only operate in a cyclical manner, leading to wasted energy and slow performance. The engines had low power output and were primarily used for pumping water out of mines rather than for broader industrial applications. Watt's innovations, including the separate condenser, greatly enhanced efficiency and usability, paving the way for the industrial revolution.