

i 



*; 



Impossibility of monopolising discoveries. 1 8 1 



which they perceive might be applied to valuable 

 technical uses, but they hesitate to patent them 

 because the process of invention, taking out a patent, 

 seeking a manufacturer to work it, and protecting 

 their patent from piracy, would occupy a large 

 portion of their time, and take them away from re- 

 search. Sir D. Brewster got no money by patenting 

 his kaleidoscope because the patent was instantly 

 pirated in all directions. 



Some persons have suggested that scientific men 

 should keep their discoveries secret, but this would 

 usually be a greater disadvantage to the investigator 

 even than publishing them, and no one would then 

 derive any benefit ; discoveries also, being often 

 capable of numerous applications, and not being in a 

 saleable shape, cannot usually be monopolised by any 

 one. New scientific knowledge is like a powerful 

 light, it cannot be hidden. Discoveries are eminently 

 national knowledge, and research should therefore be 

 national employment. 



Other persons suppose that investigators should be 

 satisfied with the fame of their discoveries, and not 

 require any payment ; but this is a most unfair sup- 

 position, because no man can live without means, and 

 every useful person deserves to be paid for his labour. 

 Ought the late Duke of Wellington to have been 

 satisfied with the fame alone of his exploits, without 

 being paid any salary ? Ought a Bishop to be con- 

 tent with the renown of his eloquence, without receiv- 

 ing any payment for his services ? Genius alone is 



