No. 129.] 241 



Let us have, then, a JVational Academy of Sciences to act as an 

 umpire, and as the advisers of Congress in all matters of scientific 

 discovery and invention. Let this academy thoroughly examine 

 into the merits of all discoveries and inventions laid before them, 

 ascertain the rights of the discoverer or inventor, and the value 

 of the invention, and then recommend to Congress a suitable 

 award, on condition that it shall be made free to the world. 

 This award would, doubtless, be most valuable in the form of an 

 annual pension. 



Once passed upon by the academy, there would be no lawsuits 

 for infringements, no controversies to fatigue the public and an- 

 noy the families of parties in dispute; for the award would be 

 final, and the discovery should be made free. 



I need not enter at this time on the manner of forming this na- 

 tional academy, nor advise as to the frequency of its sessions and 

 precise mode of operation. The members might be nominated 

 by the President of the United States, and be confirmed by the 

 Senate. Due care, of course, would be exercised in the election 

 of men to offices of such high responsibility and trust. Certainly, 

 there eould be no more difficulty in selecting suitable men than 

 there is in choosing the Judges of our Supreme Courts, who have 

 thus far proved unimpeachable and most noble men. 



I may, perhaps, be allowed to say a word as to the method of 

 laying a discovery before the proposed institution ; and in this I 

 would follow that pursued in the Academ} of Sciences of France, 

 of enclosing specifications in a sealed package. The sealed pack- 

 age should be duly and cautiously endorsed with the nature of 

 the discovery, &c.; but should keep secret the precise means, 

 which are to be detailed in the enclosed papers. The academy, 

 by its publication, is to notify the world of the reception of such 

 a package, and call upon all claimants to file their claims and 

 their evidence, and fix upon the time for breaking the seals. It 

 is obvious this system would prevent subsequent reclamations, 

 and insure priority of discovery. On due and careful investiga- 

 tion of the evidence, a committee charged with the duty could 

 report to the academy, and then that body might vote the proper 



JAssembly, No. 129.] 16 



