The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1883-04-28
Work for Inventors TO Do.

We have machines for doing almost
all kinds of work in field, shop and
factory. But most of the machines we
find in them now will not be in them
twenty years hence. They will give
place to something vastly better. All
the machines now styled perfection, "
will be found to be very imperfect.
The machines now employed for max
inc paper, weaving cloth. printing, sew
ING, shaping brick, and working up
lumber will soon be displaced. A very
valuable invention is seldom very valu-
able in itself, beyond the term for
which it is patented. 1t is improved to
such an extent that only a single prn-
ciple remains to be kept in operation.
1t is likely that much will be done in
the future in restoring old processes,
and in combining them for doing GER
tain kinds of work. In many depart
ments of industry little has been done
to Tighten the burdens of human labor.
Kitchen labor is performed in about the
same way it was when the first kitchen
was constructed. Clothes, dishes and
floors are washed after the same primi-
tive fashion.
Our methods of doing all kinds of
housework are twenty centuries behind
our methods of doing farm and factory
work. Knives and forks are made by
machinery, but are secured by hand. A
new tin dish is made in factory quick
err and with less trouble than an old one
is cleaned in the kitchen. While drudg,
cry was driven out of the field and
workshop it took refuge in the kitchen.
seemingly with the determination of
making it its permanent place of abode.
1t clings to it with desperation. New
dishes for the table and new clothes for
the person all make work, but the per-
sons who bring them out produce no
labor-saving machine for cleaning the
first or keeping in order the last.
1t is likely that most of the valuable
inventions in the future will be made by
persons who will devote themselves to
inventing as a business. More knowl-
edge, skill. time. money and higher
talent are now required.to make inven-
tons than were formerly needed. a
person must now study to find out what
is wanted in any department of indus
try, and then learn what has been ac-
complished. He must read many books
and consult with many persons. If II
proposed invention pertains to the APP
plication of any science to the arts, he
must become familiar with both the
science and the art for improving that
which is designed
Mcssrs. BcsSemcr, Ransome, and Ed
ison, three of the most illustriouS
inventors of our time, afford good illus
trations of what men of genius, judy
ment, and perseverance can accomplish
by devoting themselves to specialties.
A technical education and library are
rs necessary TO an inventor rs to Il pro-
fessional man. For n mechanical in
yentor a workshop is as necessary As it
is to mechanic. Some capital Of course
is necessary to enable q person to de-
vote all his time TO this business. Abil-
ity to concentrate ones thoughts on 4
particular subject is of prime impor-
tance to Il successul inventor. a chap
py idea may occur to him. but patience
is required to make it of any practical
value. Many scientific men and me-
chanics can devote considerable time
to inventing and 90 on with their regu-
lar pursuits, as they have unusual facil-
tiles. Much always depends on little
things in the perfection of great inven-
tions. Goodyear and Morse found their
greatest difficulties with matter that at
first appeared trifling. 49, chicago Times.