“either such expenses and labours would be undergone by nobody—”
Which is a wild assumption.
“except very opulent and very public-spirited persons.”
The former are numerous; the latter ought to be; and the service is one the nation may well expect of them. Why should not there be innumerable Lord Rosses, Sir Francis Crossleys, Sir David Baxters, and Sir William Browns, promoting beneficent commerce by their generosity; and why should not manufacturers systematically combine as an association to procure through science and experiment every possible improvement?
“Or the State must put a value on the service rendered by an inventor, and make him a pecuniary reward.”
And why should we not prefer this alternative?
“This has been done in some instances, and may be done without inconvenience in cases of very conspicuous public benefit.”
Well: that is a great deal; but why not in cases that are not conspicuous?
“But in general an exclusive privilege of temporary duration is preferable—”
Now, mark the only reasons adduced:—