Genre:

Introduction; Extract, Reportage; Afterword

Publications extracted:

European Magazine

Subjects:

Intellectual Property, Progress, Invention, Science Communication, Steam-power, Engineering

    The writer reflects on the importance of the communication of inventions, and the harm caused by a 'selfish' attitude to knowledge. It is important that 'no check should be offered to any fresh openings likely to encourage that inestimable treasure, knowledge' and that 'no impediments should be raised to any inventions or improvements'. (292) Both the steam-engine and gas lighting were ridiculed only half a century before, but they are now productive of much good. These reflections have been prompted by an article in the European Magazine, which is extracted. The extract gives a lengthy report of the rejection of a 1671 bill for building a bridge over the River Thames at Putney.