rhood, consult with merchants,
friends, and others in the line of his invention, who can post him upon
the right parties to submit the patent to, and the best way to see them
about it, and perhaps go with him to visit such as might be interested
in the invention.

[Sidenote: Personal Solicitation Advisable.]

In nearly every case it is more satisfactory for the patentee to call on
the manufacturers or interested parties personally whenever it is
possible for him to do so. This brings about a more satisfactory
understanding between them. Many inventors, however, prefer opening up
communication by correspondence, and after the parties manifest a
willingness or desire to look into the invention more closely, then
arrange to visit them personally.

Having determined upon a visit, the patentee should endeavor to get a
friend known by the parties to go with him to make their acquaintance.
If the friend cannot go with the patentee, he will probably give him a
note of introduction. It may happen that his friend does not know the
parties whom the patentee wishes to see, in that event he may know of
someone who does, to whom he can introduce the patentee and who in turn
may either go with him or arrange to make him known to the parties
solicited. An introduction, of course, is not absolutely necessary, but
it invariably has a good effect and is generally worth the effort.

The patentee should be prepared to make a straightforward, business-like
presentation of his invention by means of a suitable model or drawings;
carefully explaining its merits and advantages, showing as clearly as
possible just what the value of the invention is and what can be made
out of it, and giving tangible reasons why it would be to the interest
of the parties solicited to invest in the patent. If the patentee is
dealing with a manufacturer it is well to point out not only the
possible advantage he may have by securing the control of the patent,
but also the possible loss that his business may suffer by allowing one
of his competitors to obtain its control. Many businesses have been
hopelessly crippled by an enterprising firm securing control of a good
patent and introducing a like article that can be sold cheaper, or one
that will do its work in a better and more satisfactory manner.

[Sidenote: Selling Outright.]

Many inventors prefer to sell their patents outright; that is, in
consideration of a specified sum of money the patentee assigns his