But
what M. Renouard adds proves that he meant the opposite:
The fundamental principle of our legislation, that of granting
temporary monopoly as a condition of a contract between society
and the laborer, has always prevailed, etc.
What is, in reality, this grant of a monopoly? A simple
acknowledgment, a declaration. Society, wishing to favor a new
industry and enjoy the advantages which it promises, BARGAINS
with the inventor, as it has bargained with the farmer; it
guarantees him the monopoly of his industry for a time; but it
does not create the monopoly. The monopoly exists by the very
fact of the invention; and the acknowledgment of the monopoly is
what constitutes society.
This ambiguity cleared up, I pass to the contradictions of the
law.
All industrial nations have adopted the establishment of a
temporary monopoly as a condition of a contract between society
and the inventor. . . . . I do not take readily to the belief
that all legislators of all countries have committed robbery.
M.
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