Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-07-01
DISCOVERIES BY SCIENTISTS
SECRETARY WILSON TELLS OF
THEIR GREAT VALUE.
Recognition Far Too
Meager-Patents Which Have At
tracted National Attention.

Millions of dollars-in fact, a sum so vast
that il cannot now be estimated-haye been
saved to the American people by discover
les made by government scientists during
the fiscal year which closed yesterday" de-
ciared Secretary Wilson, in speaking of the
record of the Department of Agriculture for
the year. Time alone must develop the
importance to the world Of the experiments
being conducted every day by these men.
whose only reward is in the passing fame
attained in reporting valuable finds There
would be money in many OF these discover
les II the scientists were to patent them IN
their own names, but In every case the peo-
pie as a whole are the beneficiaries, for the
patents are dedicated to the government.
to be used by the United States or any Of
of work for the United States. by any
person In the United States without the
payment of royalty.
Secretary Wilson feels that the recogni-
ton by the government of these discoveries
is far too meager. but he does not hesitate
to give to the scientist this little help when
ever he feels that 1t Is merited. Whenever
valuable discovery. warranting United
States patent. Is made by an employe Of
the Department of Agriculture the Secre-
tary advances the salary of the employee
much as 1t is possible to do under the
law. The patent Is taken out In this coun-
try In the name of the scientist making
the discovery and then dedicated to the
United States. If the discovery is applica-
BILE to use in foreign country the scientist
is authorized to receive the benefit. but
usually the patent ts of a character de-
signed to meet conditions in the United
States and of little value elsewhere.
Attracted National Attention.
Among the patents which have at
tracted national attention are those in
roI To ha luh IF fo
that have passed government inspection.
the use of feldspathic rocks as fertilizers
and the prevention of corrosion OF fence
wire and rusting of iron and steel gener-
ally.
Secretary Wilson estimated that the
discovery of an ink which may be used in
stamping carcasses that have passed gov
eminent meat inspection and which will
not stain. spread or penetrate lie meat
Will in itself save the government be-
tween S3OO.oO and $40O.O0O next year.
and proportionateIy larger sum annu-
ally as the amount of government in
spected meat increases. The ink discov-
cry was made by Marion Dorsett, acting
chief of the biOchemic division OF the de-
partment laboratory. All he received
from the government was advance In
salary amounting to about $1,000 L year.
DR.. Allerton s. Cushman. assistant d.
rector of the office of public roads, dis
covered the principles of the extraction
of potash from finely ground feldspathic
rocks. This discovery means that the
United States will no longer be dependent
upon Germany for the supply of potash
used in the manufacture of fertilizers r
T. Galloway. chief of the bureau OF plant
industry. is now experimenting with
feldspathic rock in the cultivation of to-
bacco in Connecticut
1t was DIR. Cushman also who made
important discoveries In the manu- facture
of fence wire of greatly increased dura-
bility at a cost no greater than under the
present process Along the same lines he
Investigated the subject of preventing
the rusting of all exposed metals, includ-
ing steel rails
In the case of DIR. CuShman the govern
ment can offer no reward. as he already
receives the highest salary authorized
by law for one in his position.