“Jefferson’s letter to [Isaac] McPherson showed that he weighed the marginal contribution of an invention against basic, foundational technologies, keeping in mind that a mere change of form—like ...

Counsel from Asia discuss the disparities in patentability standards for incremental inventions and the need for consistency in IP office practice Patent applicants in mature technology industries are ...

An underwater ship -- A siphon for raising water -- Lifting weights by water, and a portable siphon -- Construction of sluices to raise ships to any height -- A machine worked by fire which can throw ...

If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in ...

From 18th century automatons that could write a full letter to the player pianos featured in every saloon, mechanical inventions have fascinated us for centuries. Yet the smallest pieces can garner ...