How did Joseph Black and James Watt know each other at the University of Glasgow?

Joseph Black and James Watt became acquainted at the University of Glasgow after Watt opened a shop at the university in 1757 to work as an instrument maker.12

During this period, Watt met many scientists at the university, including Joseph Black, who was then a professor of anatomy and lecturer in chemistry. The two men developed a firm friendship and maintained a rich correspondence after Black’s time at Glasgow concluded. Their professional relationship was marked by mutual respect, and both were careful to emphasize that their respective scientific researches—particularly regarding the phenomenon of latent heat—were conducted independently. Black also provided financial support to Watt in the form of loans to help him develop his early test engines.12