have occurred, not only in the general progress of discovery, but in the relative rank of the States. In the same table is furnished a column designating the proportion of patents issued to the total number of white inhabitants of each state:

This statement imbodies material for profitable reflection, but we shall pass it over without comment.

Next is presented a table which exhibits the character of the inventions for which patents have issued; and to this more particular attention is invited, as showing the nature of the predominating genius of the States respectively. [See table B, next page.]

The existing laws in the United States, relative to patents are contained in the acts of 1836, 1837, 1839, 1842, and 1848-all laws previous to 1836 being repealed by the operations of that act. Much complaint is entertained against these statutes; but whether well-founded in reason or justice, it is difficult to determine. The period for which an inventor can take out a patent, is fourteen years; but an extension is granted, provided it be satisfactorily shown, that the inventor has not been remunerated for his time, trouble, and expense in maturing his scheme. The fees paid for obtaining a patent, are as follows:

If a citizen of the United States, patent fee,
If a foreigner who has "declared his intentions,"
If a subject of Great Britain,

All other foreigners,

$30.00

30.00

500.00

300.00

TABLE B.-Patents Issued to States, 1852.

CLASS 1.-Agriculture, including instruments and operations.

2.-Metallurgy, and manufacture of metals, and instruments therefor.

3.-Fibrous and Textile Substances, manufacture of, including machinery and modes of preparation.
4.-Chemical Processes, manufactures and compounds, distillations, dyeing, etc., etc.
5.-Calorifics, comprising lamps, fire-places, stoves, heating apparatus, furnaces, etc., etc.
6.-Steam and Gas Engines, including boilers and furnaces therefor, and parts thereof.
7.-Navigation and Maritime Implements, models, vessel construction, rigging, propulsion, etc., etc.
8.-Mathematical, Philosophical, and Optical Instruments, including chronometers, etc., etc.
9.-Civil Engineering and Architecture, including all that appertain thereto.

10.-Land Conveyances, modes of, as wheeled vehicles, railroad cars, wheels, etc., etc.
11.-Hydraulics and Pneumatics, inclusive of machinery and processes thereof.
12.-Lever, Screw and Mechanical Power, as applied to human labor.

13.-Grinding Mills and Mill-Gearing, including mechanical movements and horse-power.
14.-Lumber, including machines and tools for preparing and manufacturing.
15.-Stone and Clay Manufactures, including moulds, machinery, etc.

16.-Leather, including processes of manufacture, and ditto of boots, shoes, saddlery, etc.
17.-Household Furniture, machines and implements for domestic use, etc., etc.
18.-Arts, polite, fine, and ornamental, including painting, sculpture, music, printing, etc.
19.-Fire Arms and Implements of War, including manufacture of powder, shot, etc.
20.—Surgical and Medical Instruments, including trusses, dental instruments, etc., etc.

21.- Wearing Apparel, articles for the toilet, including instruments of manufacture, etc., etc.
22.-Miscellaneous.

23.-Extensions, Reissues, Improvements, &c.

NOTE. From this table we may learn into what channels the inventive genius of the nation has been directed, and whether its useful discoveries much exceed the whimsical. The latter, (England excepted,) predominate throughout the countries of Europe, as is established by the patent office returns of sixteen States examined by the writer.

Foreigners are charged in accordance with the Patent Office regulations of the countries of which they are natives.

The form of application and the mode of procedure are generally understood; but it is essential that the fees be paid, and the specification, model, and drawings filed, before the proper officers of the Patent Office will proceed to pass on an application. Specifications are required to be ample and explicit; and new improvements are subjected to an examination similar to that instituted in original cases. Drawings of a design are requisite, but not indispensable; but the law is imperative in requiring models to be delivered in the Patent Office. Caveats express the purpose of the inventor to take out a patent of an invention at as early a day as practicable; and in order that he may not be frustrated by another, whose earlier completed invention may involve principles comparatively identical, he files a drawing and specification of his discovery, until such time as he can furnish a model thereof. This anticipated action secures to him the right of original discovery, although his design or invention may only have been developed as a dream of the mind.

Patents in GREAT BRITAIN are issued for fourteen years; but if the inventor, as in the United States, can show that his expectations have not been realized in remunerating him for his loss of time, trouble, and expense, an extension is allowed for a period not exceeding seven years. The