806 Transactions of the American Institute. 



Rocking Chaik Spkings. 



Mr. I. Blake exhibited his patent spring rocking chair. The prin- 

 cipal feature of this invention was the use of a spiral, tapered spring, 

 so constructed as to be readily attached to the hind legs of a common 

 chair, which can thus be immediatelj used as a rocking chair. The 

 price of the springs was one dollar a pair. The chair was thought to 

 be convenient for very uneasy people, who were not contented to 

 remain in the same position more than a minute. 



The following interesting paper was then read by its author : 



The Relations of Manufactukers to Inventors and Middlemen. 



Mr. Thomas D. Stetson. — In all branches of manufacture, inventing 

 forms, directly or indirectly, an important element, A patent, in 

 this country, endures seventeen years, during which time very great 

 changes are lia,ble to occur ; partly caprice, but mainly improvements. 

 During the last decade, clocks have changed but little, window-glass 

 less, boots and shoes a little more, but the means of producing the 

 last have been almost entirely revolutionized. The hat manufacture 

 is one which is, at this moment, being changed from hand-work to 

 machinery at a rate which is hardly appreciated, even by those who 

 are in the strongest part of the current. In all branches of manu- 

 facture there is, or is likely to be, progress. 



The manufacturing concern which refuses to introduce any 

 improvements, will sink out of sight. The concern, which buys all 

 at the price asked, and pays the license fees without esteeming such 

 questions worthy of study, will contribute, and rightly, to the income 

 of some other party, who has invested with more knowledge and 

 foresight, and earlier assisted, to bring forward the improvement. 

 And the concern, which undertakes to bid defiance to the patent laws, 

 and adopt improvements at will, without paying any one, will live 

 an unchristian and unprofitable life, and perish unlamented, except 

 by lawyers. 



There are three requisites, to genuine success, to an inventor with 

 moderate means. First, or at some stage, the procuringof a patent. 

 Second, or first, or simultaneously, with the patent, the carrying out of 

 the invention. And, third, the convincing of others of its value and 

 arranging for its use. This last step is usually the most diflicult. At 

 any rate, it calls for a difierent order of talent from the others. As 

 a general rule, the three steps require three difierent operators. 



There are inventors, who are excellent business men, capable of 



