This article briefly reviews the early history of steam condensers from the time of the James Watt patent in 1769. Surface condensers were rarely used until about 1860, but from then on units fundamentally similar to those in present day use were put into service in increasing numbers. After briefly reviewing tube manufacture and the fixing of tubes into tubeplates, the article describes investigations into early condenser tube corrosion problems, the Institute of Metals work carried out between 1911 and 1928 being of particular importance. The development of the various condenser tube alloys is then summarized and the article concludes with some comments on the changing commercial scene.