DEAR Rickman,—I send you some papers about a salt-water soap, for which
the inventor is desirous of getting a parliamentary reward, like Dr. Jenner. Whether such a project be
feasible, I mainly doubt, taking for granted the equal utility. I should
suppose the usual way of paying such projectors is by patents and contracts.
The patent, you see, he has got. A contract he is about with the Navy Board.
Meantime, the projector is hungry. Will you answer me two questions, and return
them with the papers as soon as you can? Imprimis, is there any chance of
success in application to Parliament for a reward? Did you ever hear of the
invention? You see its benefits and saving to the nation (always the first
motive with a true projector) are feelingly set forth: the last paragraph but
one of the estimate, in enumerating the shifts poor seamen are put to, even
approaches to the pathetic. But, agreeing to all he says, is there the remotest
chance of Parliament giving the projector anything; and when should application
be made, now or after a report (if he can get it) from the navy board?
Secondly, let the infeasibility be as great as you will, you will oblige me by
telling me the way of introducing such an application to Parliament, without
buying over a majority of members, which is totally out of projector’s
| 346 | LETTERS OF C. AND M. LAMB | March |
P.S. The Capt. and Mrs. Burney and Phillips take their chance at cribbage here on Wednesday. Will you and Mrs. R. join the party? Mary desires her compliments to Mrs. R., and joins in the invitation.
Yours truly,
