

228 GOODYEAR ON GUM-ELASTIC. 



enterprise, where there is a want of knowledge with regard to 

 it, no obstacles are more directly calculated to hinder its success, 

 than those connected with the differences of opinion between 

 the projector of the enterprise and his associates. 



In this instance, having observed the embarrassments of the 

 inventor in consequence of his protracted experiments, the licen- 

 sees engaged in the manufacture of those branches which were 

 already appreciated, with the determination to avoid, as far as 

 possible, all experiments. This was prudent as related to their 

 pecuniary interests, but was a serious hindrance to the develop- 

 ment of the whole subject. 



Although the writer had taken the precaution to stipulate with 

 the Naugatuck Company, which was the first company licensed, 

 that they should manufacture the various articles which should be 

 suggested by him for the purpose of developing the applications, 

 and aiding to carry out his plans ; the difficulty of making his 

 views to bear upon the minds of others was such, that he was 

 virtually compelled to relinquish the claim he had upon the 

 company to do this. With kind intentions, no doubt, they, 

 together with his other friends, earnestly deprecated his devoting 

 moi^e time or money to experiments, and constantly urged him 

 to turn his attention to obtaining a pecuniary compensation 

 from the branches already established. 



The articles first manufactured of the new substance by these 

 licensees, were suspenders, shoes, and elastics, with some descrip- 

 tions of clothing. These branches were appreciated and en- 

 gaged in sooner than other equally useful, if not more important 

 uses of gum-elastic ; for the reason that the public had become 

 acquainted with their utility and value, by the previous use of 

 the native gum for these purposes. 



The manufacture of these articles being found lucrative to 

 the licensees of the inventor, who assumed the business, they 

 pursued it with a laudable enthusiasm. The whole subject, as 

 might be expected, appeared to them to be embraced in those 

 branches in which they were engaged. In their view, and that of 

 the public, the invention was considered as complete, when it 



