This inventor has generally been accredited as being the first to apply cranks to the single-track machine; but priority is now claimed by Dalzell. If this claim be valid, Lallement would have to confine himself to the honor of being the first to apply the feet directly to the cranks, and to being the first patentee.
It is stoutly maintained in Coventry that others had applied cranks, in a manner similar to that described in the foregoing specification, some time prior to the date of this patent; it is fair to say, however, that Lallement was the most energetic in pushing his invention, and that he did as much, if not more, than any other man in the great work which has now assumed such mammoth proportions.
Considering the short time it has taken to firmly establish this new and useful mode of locomotion as a recognized necessity to mankind, there is little need to quarrel over the exact division of the honors; there is enough for all, and all will be in time duly credited with their respective claims.
W. C. Moores. Velocipede. No. 42,678. Patented May 10, 1864.
“UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.
“WM. C. MOORES, OF BLOOMFIELD, WISCONSIN. IMPROVEMENT IN ECONOMIZING HUMAN POWER.
“The object of this invention is to furnish means whereby the strongest muscles of the human body may be advantageously used in propelling machinery, whether for locomotion or for stationary work, thus cheapening motive power.
“What I claim as my invention is,—
“1. The ratchet-wheel A, with its notches cut in each direction and worked by means of the levers B, B, with the pawls C, C, and springs D, D, as described.