158 LUTHER BURBANK 



production of which I was aiming, and he seemed 

 to feel distinctly dissatisfied when assured that in 

 this particular case a result had been achieved 

 that had not been forecast. The plant developer 

 had been like a chemist putting together newly 

 discovered elements. He knew that he would 

 probably get something interesting, but just 

 what that something^ was to be could not be 

 predetermined*. 



Two TYPES or INVENTIONS 



This incident is recalled by way of illustrating 

 another phase of the plant developer's art than 

 that illustrated by the development of the can- 

 ning pea as detailed in the preceding chapter. 

 In that case, it will be recalled, the plant de- 

 veloper was in the position of an inventor called 

 upon to meet a precise set of specifications. He 

 knew from the outset what was to be aimed at 

 arvd, having acquired a certain craftsmanship, he 

 knew how to set about securing it. 



A large number of inventions in the mechani- 

 cal world have such an origin as this. 



tWhen Edison started out to find a filament 

 that would show just the right resistance to the 

 electric current, and yet w r ould not be consumed 

 with its own heat, he knew just what he was 

 seeking, and his problem of the development 



