Beschreibung:

JEFFERSON, THOMAS, President . Letter signed ("Th:Jefferson") as Secretary of State, to "His Excellency the Governor of Connecticut" [Samuel Huntington], New York, N.Y., 15 April 1790. 1 page, 4to, 230 x 203 mm. (9¼ x 8 in.), text in the hand of a State Department clerk, slightly browned, neatly matted and framed with an engraved portrait. JEFFERSON AND THE FIRST PATENT ACT OF THE UNITED STATES Almost a year after the inception of the new Constitutional government and his own term as Secretary of State, Jefferson transmits a the text of the key legislation establishing the U.S. patent system: "I have the honor to send you herein enclosed, two copies duly authenticated of the Act to promote the progress of useful Arts, and of being with sentiments of the most perfect respect, Your Excellency's Most obedient & most humble servant..." The first patent act, the legislation here referred, was approved 10 April 1790. It made Jefferson, as Secretary of State, the administrator largely in charge of the granting of new patents: "he was now able to keep his finger on the pulse of American discovery...no compatriot of his was so well fitted to enjoy and fill such a position" (D. Malone, Jefferson and the Rights of Man , p.282). The "useful arts," of course, were primarily mechanical. During the colonial period, domestic manufactures had been effectively restricted by Parliamentary legislation and policy; with independence achieved, it became a primary goal of the Federal government to stimulate the establishment of manufacturing and industry. Hamilton's key Report on Manufactures was in preparation at this time and the granting of patents and encouragement of inventors and innovators was a component of the same initiative. During Jefferson's tenure as Secretary of State, though, a total of only 57 patents were granted ( ibid. , p.283), partly because Jefferson interpreted the law, which called for originality and practicality, very strictly. Later legislation relaxed these provisions.