clearly how annoying a responsibility grows out of such a state of affairs, and it is highly desirable that the authorities no longer be conscious of doing injustice in their duties on account of rules which cannot properly be put into practice. As for the often much-commended so-called “application system,” it would by no means really answer the purpose; even without considering the theoretical objections which might be raised against it. Its practical results have been far from giving satisfaction wherever it has been adopted. The complaints of the abuses and impediments industry suffers under, and which are brought about through the overwhelming mass of Patents, for the most part taken out with a view to swindling speculation, the unpleasant experience acquired by those who take all legal means so as subsequently to contest and defend Patents granted without previous inquiry being made, have led to a reaction of public opinion in favour of abolishing the system. The unsatisfactory and quite abnormal state of all matters connected with Patents in England and France had, years ago, claimed the most earnest attention of the legislators, and led to practical deliberations on the necessity and the means of effective improvements. The French Government introduced a Bill in 1858, to the effect that the hearing of objections to Patents applied for might, as much as possible, take place previous to the same being granted. A similar system which is in force in England has, however, proved inadequate in that country, and the commission which, in 1863, made a detailed statement as to the merits of the existing Patent-Law, recommended the adoption of official inquiry. Under the circumstances, it can hardly be the question at all, for the North German Confederation, to admit of the mere “application system.” Nor can the imposition of high taxes [on patentees?] (not taking into account their inconsistency with the real object of Patents) be considered a sufficient corrective of the system, after the experience acquired in England on this head. Both the inquiry and application systems having proved defective, the conclusion is arrived at, that the difficulties cannot be overcome by means of altering certain details in the institution, but rather arise out of constitutional infirmities of the institution itself. The Patent system makes such distinctions necessary as are now practically inadmissible, and the impracticability of which is by no means removed through merely transferring the evil from one side to the other. It must be granted that if artificial contrivances be at all required to adequately remunerate an inventor for the services rendered to society, they cannot be hit upon in this direction without hurting all important interests.