26 i 
1883.] Patent-Right and Patent-Law. 
To prevent this loss she enaaed a Patent-law in some 
respeas more liberal than that of England, and since then 
her inventors remain at home. They take out English 
Patents, doubtless, but they are very careful not to work 
them in this country. 
We are trying to give our artisans a sound technological 
training, that they may be able to understand the principles 
of their respeaive trades, and be able to effea improve- 
ments. But all this is idle so long as we give the educated 
artisan no inducement to use his trained intelligence. A 
good Patent-law creates good industrial education. 
The case stands thus : — 
Without improvement no trade. 
Without invention no improvements. 
Without Patent-right no inventions. 
I know it has been said that an inventor may work his 
invention as a secret process without seeking the protection 
of the Patent-laws. This method is one which in certain 
cases I have recommended to persons who have sought my 
advice. But it is practicable only (1) when the inventor is 
actually engaged in the business concerned, or is at least a 
capitalist ; (2) when the invention does not require very 
bulky and conspicuous plant, or the presence of a great 
number of workmen. I should have little faith in the pos- 
sibility of keeping secret a new process for the manufacture 
of alkali, bleaching-lime, &c. New dyes, pigments, &c., 
may be manufactured successfully on the secret system, 
though everyone conversant with chemical industry cannot 
fail to note that the German manufacturers of artificial 
colours invariably patent their processes. They have, it 
would seem, little faith in secret working. 
It is said that an inventor may succeed in disposing of a 
process for a fair value without the formality of a Patent. 
I doubt it : the would-be or might-be purchaser generally 
declines to buy a cat in a bag. He demands not only to 
see a sample of the article, but to be informed, before the 
completion of the bargain, as to the working details of the 
process. When matters are come to this point he is bound 
merely by honour. If this sentiment is weak, as is some- 
times the case among the moneyed interest, he may break 
off the negotiation by saying “ After all I do not see that 
the affair will suit my purpose,” and may then begin the 
manufacture forthwith ! This is no mere supposition, as 
several cases have come under my personal observation 
where an inventor has thus been defrauded. Indeed I have 
