GENERAL DEFINITION AND CLASSIFICATION OF INVENTIONS
To "ANSWER INTELLIGENTLY WHAT AND HOW TO INVENT." It is first
necessary to analyze most carefully the various phases of invention
of various natures.
It will be observed that inventions in general may be divided into
several divisions, as follows:
First:--Fundamental physical principles, which are very rare and
purely scientific.
Second:--Basic mechanical adaptation to and for the first division
which generally comes into existence soon after the discovery of the
first.
Third:--Basic mechanical adaptation to a well-defined production,
substituting human or animal exertions; which comes by degrees, and
none too often.
Fourth:--Improved mechanical applications.
Fifth:--Diverse or varied mechanical applications.
The last two are the most prolific or numerous classes. The first
division includes our physical sciences. The second is the first
mechanical harness for utilizing a new discovery in the laws of
physics for different purposes. The third includes the first
mechanical appliances receiving impulse from some other body for
doing to greater advantage that which is done by direct human or
animal exertions, and are commonly termed labor-saving machines.
The fourth are the continuous improvements on the third, and may
include basic mechanical contrivances.
The fifth is for accomplishing the same ends as the Second, Third and
Fourth, but also for the greater adaptability for certain specific
purposes, and for popularizing its production; that is to prevent the
exclusive monopolizing of certain advantages gained through and by
the Second and Third.