There are not two opinions on that point: the laws of all countries condemn the man who enriches himself with what chance throws in his way. But if a scientific man—seeking some impossible discovery, finds a clue to an idea—meets with an interesting phenomenon—indicates, in some way, new properties belonging to some bodies—announces the results of some new chemical combination—it is only a scientific research. This or that other skimmer of inventions can get a Patent for the application of the idea, of the discovery, of the method; and the law guarantees his pretended right not only against all reclamations of the scientific man who has discovered the whole, but against the whole world, deprived of all possibility of making use of the discoveries of science! And not only the law forbids every one to use this or that produce, except if made by the patentee, but it also prohibits the use of any similar produce made by different means. Then, to prevent all inventors to approach the ground that the patentee has chosen, he takes immense care to have his Patent made of formulas so wide and elastic, that all inventions in the same course of ideas will be infringements in the eye of the law. To these observations it is answered that industrialists or scientific men are equal before the law, that all have an equal right to its protection, but on the express condition that the invention be put in use. We see very well where is the privilege of the chance patentee, who has made the discovery of the scientific man his own, but we do not see where is its justice or equality. We see very well where is the privilege of the man who has had nothing to do but to apply the idea deposited in a book by a scientific man—an idea that, in fact, was at the disposal of the public, since the discoverer did not claim its proprietorship; but we do not see why the law gives a monopoly to him who has only borrowed that idea. But we are told, the law is quite equitable, for it, says, “To every man his due. The scientific man discovers a body, glory be to him. If he will add to it some profit, let him indicate the properties that may be used industrially, and let him take a Patent for his discovery. But he must hurry, because if industry forestalls him, industry will get the profit.”[6] It is exactly as if this was the law: A millionaire drops a 100-franc note. It will not make him much poorer. If he wants to get it back, let him return where he came from and seek along the road. Let him hurry, for if this note is found, he who will have got it may keep it. Common sense and equity would join to say that when a scientific man indicates a discovery or an invention, that invention or discovery remains at the disposal of every one if the finder does not claim the exclusive right to work it. But the law is different, and the results are soon made apparent.