Page [unnumbered]
Double Writing.
THere is invented an Instrument of small bulk and price, easily made, and very durable, whereby one may in an houres practice, write two Copies of the same thing at once, with great advantage above the ordinary way, and in a few dayes further use thereof, recover the former fairnesse and swiftnesse of hand, in what character soever, and whether in a Book, parchment or paper, the said writings ought to be made.
The which Instrument shall be discovered unto Contributors, by the first day of April. 1649. at the furthest, or so soon before, as a competent reward shall be collected, the which (if men please,) may be done within lesse then three moneths time, for the con∣sideration of five shillings present payment; (both for the discovery and licence to pra∣ctice the same during the whole fourteen years terme of the Priviledge,) besides two shillings and six pence for the Instrument, from such as desire that the same should be made ready for their use, by the very time of Publication.
Which price the Inventor is content to accept (to the end that even those who shall have least need of this invention, may have no reason to complaine, nor have any motive to incurre the danger of the penalty allowed by the ordinance, for using the same without licence, as also in consideration, that the said summe is to be presently paid, untill that after discovery, (when men shall by their own tryall and experience be fully satisfied of the commodities of this faculty,) the Inventor may with more rea∣son expect a larger reward, and more proportionable to the benefit, which each man may receive by the same; Wherefore such as please to be partakers thereof, are desi∣red to pay the said sums either to such as the Inventor hath desired to receive them, or to himselfe at 〈1 span left blank〉〈1 span left blank〉
An Extract of the Ordinance of Parliament dated 6. Martii. 1647.
THe Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament having by severall Certificats from divers credible men received satisfaction, not only of the feasibility, but also of the great use of the Invention for Double Writing, lately discovered by William Petty, Do ordaine that the said Inventor shall have the sole benefit thereof for 14. yeers, accor∣ding to the Statute in that behalfe made, either by teaching or otherwise discovering the same, or by the sale of such Instruments as are requisite to the practice of the said Art, strictly forbidding unto all persons whatsoever the use or sale of any of the said In∣struments, or practice of Double Writing upon any other Instrument, without the Li∣cence of the said Inventor or his Assigns, upon the penalty of one hundred pounds. And do further ordaine that Letters Patent be passed under the Great Seale to the same pur∣pose.
There is also printed a Declaration concerning Double Writing, whereunto all men are referred for further satisfaction in the feasibility and facility of the Art, Time of discovery, price, and all other particulars, and circumstances relating therunto, wher∣unto also is annexed a true Copy of the Ordinance of Parliament granted unto the In∣ventor for the sole benefit thereof; And are to be sold by R. W. at the Starre under Saint Peters Church in Cornehill.