Finding information on specific patents from the 19th century can be challenging, as digital records aren't always complete. While a direct link to the full patent text for L. Bailey's December 24th, 1867, patent isn't readily available online, we can explore how to find this information and what kind of details we might expect to uncover. This investigation will delve into the process of patent searching and offer insights into what a patent from that era might entail.
What Information Is Typically Found in a 19th-Century Patent?
Before we try to locate L. Bailey's specific patent, let's understand what kind of information these historical documents typically contain. A 19th-century U.S. patent would likely include:
- Inventor's Name and Address: This is usually prominently displayed. Knowing the full name (including middle initial or name) could greatly assist in a more precise search.
- Patent Number: This is crucial for locating the patent. Unfortunately, without the patent number, searching becomes significantly harder. The patent number would have been assigned after the patent was granted.
- Title of the Invention: A brief description of the invention itself. This can provide valuable keywords for searches.
- Background of the Invention: An explanation of the problem the invention was designed to solve.
- Detailed Description of the Invention: This is often accompanied by drawings or diagrams. The description would explain how the invention works and how it's constructed.
- Claims: This section legally defines the scope of the patent. It outlines what aspects of the invention are protected from infringement.
How to Research 19th-Century Patents
Locating L. Bailey's patent requires strategic searching across several resources:
- United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO): The USPTO website is the primary source for patent information. While their online database may not cover every patent from 1867 in fully digitized form, they may have some indexed information. Utilizing advanced search options and variations of "L. Bailey" could yield results. Searching by date range (December 1867) will also narrow down the possibilities.
- Google Patents: Google Patents indexes a large number of patents, including many historical documents. Again, using variations of "L. Bailey" and the date, or any known aspect of the invention, will be crucial.
- Library of Congress: The Library of Congress often holds extensive collections of historical documents. Their online catalog might provide access to digitized patent records or indicate where physical copies are located.
- Ancestry.com and Similar Genealogical Websites: Some genealogical websites have indexed patent records. If you have additional information on L. Bailey (place of residence, profession, etc.), this could help narrow the search.
Where Can I Find More Information on L. Bailey?
To improve the chances of finding this patent, additional information about L. Bailey is needed. This might include:
- Full Name: The full name, including any middle initial or middle name, is crucial for accurate searches.
- Location: Knowing his city and state of residence at the time of the patent application would greatly help in narrowing down search results.
- Field of Invention: What type of invention was it? (e.g., mechanical device, process, chemical composition)
- Any other details about the invention itself: Any specifics about the invention will help in searches.
Conclusion
Uncovering L. Bailey's patent from December 24th, 1867, requires a multifaceted approach to research. Utilizing the resources mentioned above and providing more details about L. Bailey and his invention will significantly increase the likelihood of success. Remember to be persistent in your search, as locating historical patents can require time and patience. The payoff, however, will be the discovery of a fascinating piece of technological history.
