Page:A Letter on the Subject of the Cause (1797).djvu/66

 they obtained, at length, a trifling preference: but I cannot here omit obſerving, in juſtice to the great talents of Mr. John Wilkinſon, of Shropſhire, that with him, and him only, originated theſe advantages.

Now, my Lord, I think it will appear from the matter of this digreſſion, that inſtead of applying to Parliament to lengthen the term of this ſtrange patent, they ſhould have gone to the King for another patent for an improvement, inſtead of an invention; and then have ſhewn the public in a Specification, in a full and unreſerved manner, what was their real invention, and on what parts they reſted their claim; as they have done in their ſubſequent patents. This was their duty; the law requires it; and the public will take no other payment.

I compare the firſt Specification to a blank paper, or one with bee baws and pot hooks only, of no uſe, as they cannot be underſtood, and indorſed by Mr. Watt. But his ſubſequent Specifications I compare to a well-worded note of hand, wrote on licenſed paper, which are ſterling with ſome on the faith of the indorſer; but I confeſs, my Lord, ſuch a ſanction will never have weight enough with me, to