Scientific Research and Invention 127

is so great that at this rate of gain it would take
from five to six years to make the work practically
current, or so that an applicant who is paying the
fees for performing the work may obtain an official
action with reasonable promptness.” In this report
the Commissioner, Thomas E. Robertson, said:
“Tt is a noteworthy fact that more patents have
been granted during the last ten years than during
the 100 years from President Washington's inauguration
 in 1789 until President Harrison's inauguration
 in 1889.”

Daily News of Inventions
Pick up the daily paper, and note the multiplying
reports of new inventions and processes and business
methods that are the outcome of scientific research.
Almost every day's paper gives half a dozen new
instances showing how inventions and the exploitation
 of them through the use of capital are affecting
 savings, producing short cuts and increased productivity.
 A cable despatch from Berlin tells of a
new method of producing synthetic helium by which
Germany may be freed from the United States,
where the chief natural supply exists. The same
despatch announces an interoceanic line of Zeppelins,
which will require capital. The same paper tells of
successful experiments in perfecting the seadrome;
so that the model will be succeeded by a real seadrome,
 weighing some 40,000 tons, to be towed out
350 miles from shore and anchored. The account
adds that it will cost $1,500,000,000. Money must