Page:A Letter on the Subject of the Cause (1797).djvu/85

, and boundleſs in effect, through an infinitude of variations in quantity and proportion: and that it is from quantity and proportion only, all principles of conſtruction are derived. Secondly, I conſider theſe principles to be the common property of all men, and the baſis of all judicious organization. And thus nature becomes the univerſal ſtorehouſe of every rational creature, furniſhing each with materials proper for his work. Hence comes invention, which I conceive to be thoſe efforts of the mind and underſtanding which are calculated to produce new effects from the varied applications of the ſame cauſe, and the endleſs changes producible by different combinations and proportions. Thus the field of invention may be conſidered infinite in its extent and production; and may juſtly be denominated the common-right of every individual when regarded in this original point of view, unconnected with any political regulations—which come next for obſervation.

The primary purpoſe of good policy being to promote and protect whatever promiſes univerſal good; the wiſdom of our forefathers, with this deſign, inveſted the King with the power of leaſing, or demiſing to certain individuals, certain ſpecific portions of this public right; in order