Savery's engine. Historical artwork of the steam engine patented by Thomas Savery (1650-1717) in 1698. The Savery engine was designed to raise water by using steam power. Savery wanted to use the engine to pump water from mines, but most proved to be too deep for the machine to be effective. Also, it could not operate continuously so its pumping rate was limited. Despite this, several engines were installed to raise water on country estates. Savery's was the first steam pump to be produced and sold commercially. Published in History and progress of the steam engine, England, 1830.