The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1882-09-23
OILERS AS INVENTORS.

1t is popularity supposed that, in order
to invent a machine for any particular
purpose, one must be an expert in the
particular business for which the machine
is designed. To certain extent this
belief is correct, but it somehow hap
pens that many of the most valuable
inventions have been brought out by per-
sons who had no practical experience
whatever i'll the use of the machinery APP
pertaining to the business for which their
inventions are designed. 1t is not denied
that many of our most valuable inven-
tons are the works of mechanics and
operatives of machinery; but it is assert
ed that 4 great many valuable inventions
have been brought out by men who had
no practical experience either as inechan-
les or operatives in the line OF their in
ventions. 1t frequently happens that
persons who have no special knowledge
of machinery, when looking at the per-
formance of some engine or other ma
NiiuC. ulSCoNCl CHdilCF lOi
and drop suddenly into the highway of
fortune.
The writer just had an interview with
young man recently graduated at med
zeal college. His mind is not on pills or
amputations; but he fancies he can see
opportunities tor improvements, all
around him, and he is now developing
several important railway inventions, a
sheet music turner, and several other de-
vices not in any manner connected with
his chosen profession. One would sup
pose that his inventive genius would turn
to surgical and dental instruments. arti-
fical limbs, etc; but he, like thousands
of others, leaves his chosen path, SEEM
ingly led astray by some invisible power
over which he has no control. A man
with no calling or profession is usually
styled a "loafer;" yet many valuable in
ventions have been produced by such
men.
One of the greatest inventions the
world has ever seen was whitfield out by
an id!er in a few minutes. He caught
the idea by seeing Il man trying to get
an implement repaired. He saw the af-
fair was imperfect, improved it, and rev.
olutioniZed the world in its most import
ant industry. lie was no longer called a
loafcr, and although long deceased, he is
now, and will be as long as the world ex.
lists, regarded as one of the greatest in
ventors ever known. 1t is by no means
meant that all inventors are men of no
steady occupation; but it is an undenia-
BILE fact that many of our most valuable
inventions are from the brains of men
who were considered as oilers and of no
account.
This is not mentioned here to cast any
reflections on inventors as a class; for it
is well understood that we are wholly in
debted to them for the wonderlu III progress
the world has male and is making, but
to encourage that class who have no faith
or confidence in their inventive abilities
and therefore make no efforts. In many
communities the man who gives his time
to perfecting some device is styled
''lazy good for-nothing;" but when he
finds himself successful his old acquaint-
ances are pleased to know him. 1t will
he seen that our inventors range from
millionaircs down to loaferS, or rather
rice cersa. Perhaps the term ''lolfer" is
hardly appropriate; but as there are so
many of them who ultimately take their
places in the ranks of the Industrious and
wealthy, some allowance may be made
for the seeming slur on a very worthy
class of people.
The mechanic who has to win bread
for himself and family has hardly time
to devote to inventine; but the idle man
who has nothing to do if he keeps his
eyes open, carries off the prize in many
instances. But there are many who have
an idea that they cannot invent because
they are not possessed of means to de-
velop their ideas. They look ahead to
those who have been successful and say
"They have been lucky and have means
to handle their inventions, while | am
without dollar and can do nothing
Most of our successful inventors have
been those no had no means in the shape
of cash. but they had its substitute
pluck. There are hundreds of men who
might pick up some valuable IDEAS and
work them into shape if they were po-
ssessed of the requisite pluck. 1t will not
do to sit down and say, " | wish l could
invent son. ething." Our successful inven-
tors were not of this stamp. and this is
written to encourage all who have a taste
for invention to reach for a successful de-
velopment of their IDEAS and put them in
platical shape. 70 conclude: Our inven-
tors are men Of pluck, and may be re-
garded rs our best citizens even if they
were once oilers.
The Siberian Plague.