APPENDIX 



TO THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND ARTS, VOL. XLIV, NO. I 



VINDICATION 



OF CLAIMS 



TO CERTAIN INVENTIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS 





IN THE 



GRAPHIC ART 



BY ASA SPENCER. 



Editorial Remark. — This communication came too late for 

 insertion in the body of this number. By Mr. Spencer's desire, 

 it is added in the present form. Although we are averse to con- 

 troversy, we cannot object to the vindication of the just claims of 

 individuals, especially when a discussion is conducted as in the 

 present case, by both parties with perfect courtesy, and a disposi- 

 tion to do, as well as to claim justice. 



Philadelphia, July 20, 1842. 



Gentlemen — A few days since an acquaintance directed my 

 attention to your very valuable work, entitled "A Manual of 

 Coins and Bullion," published at the Assay Office of the Mint. 



On looking over the sixth chapter, which contains a description 

 of the plates, I was surprised to see in a work from such an en- 

 lightened quarter, so erroneous on account of the origin and pro- 

 gress of the medal-ruling machine, by which it is made to appear 

 that the invention and improvement of the machine, belong ex- 

 clusively to two gentlemen of the Mint, and I am spoken of as a 

 mere copier from Mr. Gobrecht. 



, I will endeavor to give a plain and simple history of the whole 

 affair. In the fall of 1816, I came to this city with Mr. Jacob 



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