On supporting science journalism
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Invention is confined to no rank or condition of life. The names of statesmen, warriors, divines, authors, merchants, bankers, manufacturers, and mechanics, are to be found enrolled among the benefactors of the race, as inventors and discoverers of new and useful improvements in the arts. In the course of our professional experience we have frequently been called upon to take out patents for men distinguished for their labors in other departments of life. We were forcibly reminded a few days since of the ubiquitous character of inventors by a visit to our office of a venerable British Peer, the Earl of Mount Cashell, of Moore Park, a gentleman eighty years of age, who, a short time previous to his departure from his home, had employed our services to obtain for him a patent for an improvement in windows. Having a son residing near London, Canada West, his Lordship came over to pay him a visit, and on his return he called on us to inquire about his business. He mentioned the fact that he was a kinsman of the celebrated Lord Rosse, so well known for his scientific attainments and astronomical discoveries, and said that a vein of ingenuity runs through the family ; and, furthermore, that he had a number of useful improvements which ne hoped to live long enough to patent for the benefit of the community. Here is an example of a British nobleman who feels a pride in classifying himself among inventors.
