The Art of Inventing

The Art of Inventing, written by Edwin J. Prindle in 1906, is a technical exploration of the principles and methods behind creating patentable inventions. Prindle, a member of the New York Bar, argues that inventiveness can be cultivated through systematic approaches rather than being an innate talent. The book outlines the stages of the inventive process, including problem selection and creative combination of existing ideas, while emphasizing the commercial significance of inventors in society. It serves as a guide to understanding the systematic nature of inventing, illustrated by historical examples of successful inventions.