* *

the two instruments; and if the instruments are the combinations, or the result of the combinations, for which patents are now claimed, there is no interference in the two instruments in regard to any matter now patentable. * Adjudged that Samuel F. B. Morse is entitled to a patent for the combination which he has invented, claimed, and described in his specification, drawings, and model; and that Alexander Bain is entitled to a patent for the combination which he has invented, claimed, and described in his specification, drawings, and models, &c.

APPENDIX I.

EARLY AMERICAN INVENTIONS AND DISCOVERIES.

"No matter how far man is separated from his fellows, either on the earth or by time; the general uniformity of his organization is stamped on all his normal devices. Primitive inventions are universally allied. Under similar circumstances and conditions, the same means are hit upon to reach the same ends. Kindred trains of thought, of resources, and results, characterize the origin and early progress of the most essential arts everywhere: beginning in the same wants, they suggest the same ideas, which are carried out in substantially the same manner. Still, when a primitive people is found shut out from communion with others, isolated from the rest of the world, and deriving no thoughts from it, some shades of difference, more or less strongly defined, often mark devices discovered by them in common with others; and this, whether occupiers of small islands or wide-spread continents. But after all, this is nothing more than what may be named a variety of expression -the same general idea being differently brought out, just as, in speech, utterance is given to the same thoughts after various idioms. All arts and all machines are but dialects of one language-reasonings and conclusions represented in tangible forms and figures—a universal speech, and understood by all men."-EWBANK.

Ir may be of interest to preface this historical mention of early American inventions, by subjoining here a tabular statement of the recognized dates of the white colonization of the States respectively, their population, according to the census of 1850, and the density of human life to the square mile. All this may be said to have some connection with the subject

treated of, as showing the lapse of time which has intervened from the periods of colonization, the present individual strength of the several States, and the mental space allowed, for inventive genius to thrive in.

Originally a part of Georgia; set off in 1802, and became a state in 1820.

† Declared a part of Louisiana, by La Salle, in 1682, and therefore a possession

of the king of France. Colonists arrived the same year.

Originally a part of French Louisiana. Became a state in 1836.

The first of our patent laws was enacted in 1790, up to which time there had been no protection afforded to inventors, other than what enterprise might secure in monopolies, achieved by capital. Some of the colonies of New England, and perhaps a majority of those now embraced in the Middle and Southern States, occasionally voted through their general courts or councils bounties on discoveries and inventions; but although protection was thus afforded, in one form, the necessities of the times frequently urged the expediency of these authorities cancelling their acts almost as soon as passed. Monopolies, even when authorized by law, were always insecure; so that enterprise, to succeed at all, was compelled to rely upon its

own resources.

Under the patent acts of 1790 and 1793, the following was the number of patents issued up to 1800, a period of ten years.

It is not proposed here to notice all such early discoveries or inventions as have come to light, as forming items of interest in our colonial history, but only such, with their relative connections, as may be regarded as establishing epochs in the revolution of industry and trade. The archives of our historical societies and state governments, contain rich treasures, in this respect; and it is to be deplored that generations now pass away without being privileged to see in print more than they do of the achievements and doings of those who have given their name to the foundation of the American manufacturing system.