Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Evolution

B.G. Corp. v. Walter Kidde & Co. (2d Cir. 1935):

All machines are made up of the same elements; rods, pawls, pitmans, journals, toggles, gears, cams, and the like, all acting their parts as they always do and always must. All compositions are made of the same substances, retaining their fixed chemical properties. But the elements are capable of an infinity of permutations and the selection of that group which proves serviceable to a given need may require a high degree of originality. It is that act of selection which is the invention . . . .
Pitmans? Journals? An infinity of permutations?

2 comments:

Steven said...

1 pawl, 1 journal, 1 pitman
1 pawl, 1 journal, 2 pitmani
1 pawl, 2 journals, 2 pitmani
2 pawlen, 2 journals, 2 pitmani
3 pawlen, 2 journals, 2 pitmani
etc. yup infinite.

Chaon said...

I need an online course in mechanical engineering or something. "Journal" (the portion of a shaft or axle contained by a plain bearing) isn't even archaic.