CHAPTER IV

THE OPPOSITION TO THE PATENTS 92-112

Failure of attempts to obstruct use of Arkwright’s machinery; Act (1774) reduces duty and removes prohibition on printed calicoes, 92-93; patents of Hargreaves and Arkwright challenged by manufacturers; Hargreaves’ failure to uphold his patent; his claim to invention of jenny questioned by Guest; his later career, 92-97; Arkwright’s characteristics; his association with Jedediah Strutt; development of his concerns, 97-100; infringements of his patents; fails to secure verdict in law-suit (1781); Arkwright’s Case; requests Parliament to consolidate his patents and continue them until 1789; opposition of Manchester Committee of Trade; secures verdict in second law-suit (February, 1785); agitation in Manchester; application for new trial; Thomas Highs’ claim to invention of roller-spinning; Arkwright loses verdict in third trial (June, 1785); application for new trial refused (November, 1785); Arkwright’s achievements, 100-112.