“The remaining ninety-seven of the hundred inventions seem to be of little or no value; and Patents were granted for sixty-two of them.” 1862. “Of the first hundred inventions for which applications for Patents were made in the year 1862, one is apparently of considerable value. “Of the same hundred inventions one appeared to be of some, but not of great value. “The remaining ninety-eight of the hundred inventions seem to be of little or no value. Patents were granted for fifty-nine of them.” I conceive, on the basis of this evidence, that the estimate I am now about to give represents, relatively, but I will not venture to say absolutely, a fair view of probable claims. It also affords some guide for anticipating what, coming from the Exchequer, would be a reasonable total vote for rewards. Such a sum, or even a larger, Parliament should willingly grant. It can be proved to be true national economy. The nation, as individuals, is paying vastly more now. For that burden Parliament, by not removing Patents, is alone responsible. 1 at £10,000 3 at 5,000 15,000 12 at 1,000 12,000 84 at 500 42,000 250 at 100 25,000 400 at 50 20,000 Medals and Certificates of Honour and Merit 1,000 --- -------- 750 £125,000 I am aware that inventors have hitherto drawn such large sums in some cases (in many or most cases claiming more than they got), that they may at first hardly be pleased with my proposal. But they should remember that the sums set down are those derivable from one country alone—one of the between forty or fifty countries which give Patents now. The revenues from these other countries, therefore, are to be added. They will also consider that it is optional whether or not they apply for rewards. Let them work in secret, if they will and can. But if they resolutely contend for Patents, let them know the time for abolishing these is at hand; and abolition may come, if they resist it, without even this substitute.