How to Make Inventions

Whilst the greatest effort has been made to ensure the quality of this text, due to the historical nature of this content, in some rare cases there may be minor issues with legibility. The style adopted is that of a lecture, and, therefore, it is hoped that the use of personal pronouns may be overlooked.<br><br>The object in view is to make a mere beginning in the establishment of Inventing as a Science and an Art, but especially to present conclusions arrived at in the study of inventors and inventions in order that the capacity of inventors may be enlarged. If even a single useful invention results from the perusal of this book, I shall feel that the time has not been spent in vain.<br><br>Not knowing how a book with such a title would be accepted, preliminary notices were distributed soliciting subscriptions contingent upon publication. I am greatly indebted to those who so kindly sent in such subscriptions, and especially to those subscribers who wished me success. The Electrical World (New York) I also thank for inserting a series of paid articles on this subject, prepared and contributed by me during the year 1884.<br><br>Much encouragement for continuing the development of the subject-matter was given by Mr. T. Commerford Martin, editor of The Electrical Engineer (New York), and Mr. George H. Guy, editor of Electricity (Chicago), who so kindly invited me to deliver a lecture upon this subject before the New York Electrical Society in 1890.<br><br>As may be expected, the inventor will in no way be relieved of tedious labor by following any instructions contained in this book. I am inclined to believe that this will not be the basis of any criticism which may be rendered by any opponents or prejudiced minds ; because I have learned and am more and more impressed with what I believe to be a fact that a lazy inventor has never yet been born. No day laborer makes as many hours a day. The physician, missionary, and other philanthropists cannot show a better record for diligence of both the body and the mind. In writing this book I have borne this in mind, and have felt that there was no danger of ma