I am unwilling to leave this part of my theme without adverting to a point which deserves some attention—I mean the tendency the Patent system has to lower the tone of men of science. In a quotation from Lord Granville it is seen to be more than insinuated that the sacred claims of truth are in danger of being compromised by the evidence men of science are asked and tempted to give in courts of law. But the evil of Patents begins in the laboratory and the closet; for there is felt the impulse to conceal anything new and likely to be useful, in order to patent; so that a conflict is generated between, on the one hand, the theory of the academic chair which supposes in the very name “university” universalism, community of knowledge, and on the other, law-created personal interests, whose nature it is to stifle the man of science’s inherent desire to spread knowledge and exchange thoughts in order to benefit mankind. But Mr. Mill presents an alternative. I, for one, have no objection to see it considered. I have long advocated State rewards; they cannot be condemned on principle; they are sanctioned by another philosopher. When I say that I had the honour long ago to receive the following from M. Chevalier, I am sure of this House’s attention. _Extract of a Letter from M. Michel Chevalier to Mr. Macfie._ “The Patent system, as constituted in all countries where it is established, is a monopoly that outrages liberty and industry. It has consequences that are disastrous, seeing there are cases where it may stop trade for exportation and even for home consumption, because it places manufacturers who work in a country where Patents are established at a great disadvantage in competing with others who live in States, such as Switzerland, where Patents are interdicted by law. Practice, experience, which is the supreme authority in the world, shows daily, in France particularly, that the system is a scourge to industry. What might be substituted is a system of recompenses, either national or European, as you have proposed, to be awarded when practical use has pronounced on the merit of each invention, and when the originality shall admit of being established. All the friends of industrial and social progress ought to unite their efforts to liberate industry from the shackles that have been bequeathed from the past. That of Patents is one of those which there will be most urgency to get rid of.” The Continental Association for Promoting the Progress of Social Sciences favours such rewards. Allow me to quote from a Report of M. Tilliere, Avocât of Brussels, which was adopted by that body:—