Transcriber’s Notes: Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_), and text enclosed by equal signs is in bold (=bold=). The whole number part of a mixed fraction is separated from the fractional part with -, for example, 2-1/2. Additional Transcriber’s Notes are at the end. How to Become an Inventor. CONTAINING Experiments in Photography, Hydraulics, Galvanism and Electricity, MAGNETISM, HEAT, AND THE Wonders of the Microscope. ALSO GIVING Instruction in the Use of Tools AND OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS. NEW YORK: FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 29 WEST 26TH STREET. * * * * * Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1898, by FRANK TOUSEY, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington, D.C. How to Become an Inventor. Nothing is more useful to a youth than to be able to do a little carpentering. To be handy with a chisel and saw, a nail and a hammer, saves many a dollar in the course of the year. If you call in a carpenter for a little work he is sure to spin out a “regular job.” I remember once buying some oak saplings, which cost me fifteen cents a stick; and wanting to build a summer-house, I required eight of them to be sawn through, so I applied to a carpenter, and the sticks were cut, but, to my astonishment, four dollars was charged for this little “job,” although the wood cost me only one dollar and thirty cents. I found out afterwards that the proper price for sawing would have amounted to about one dollar, so that three dollars profit was clapped on for the benefit of my experience. I just mention this to show my young friends that if they wish to make summer-houses for their gardens, cages for their birds, fowl-houses, rabbit-hutches, or boxes for their books, they must learn to make them for themselves. I shall therefore offer them a little advice upon “carpentering.” THE SHOP AND BENCH. Endeavor to procure some small outhouse, in which you may erect what is called a carpenter’s or joiner’s bench. These may very often be bought second-hand, or if not, can easily be procured at a reasonable rate. I am very particular in recommending a bench, as without it you will find many obstacles to your work. You must also provide yourself with a set of tools,--gimlets, hammers, planes, saws, gouges, files, nails, screws, and such articles of use.