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 of 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 

 and, 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. 



When Edison started out to find a filament 

 that would show just the right resistance to the 

 electric current, and yet would not be consumed 

 with its own heat, he knew just what he was 

 seeking, and his problem of the development 



