All About Inventions and Discoveries
The Romance of modern scientific and mechanical Achievements

3i8 All About Inventions were labouring in a new field of endeavour, the limits of which could not be foreseen, while the advances recorded in other countries, where such farcical legislation did not prevail, were considered detri- mental to British industrial supremacy. The amour propre of the nation was touched in a very tender spot—we were lagging behind our trade rivals. The popular slogan had its effect, the ponderous machinery of the law was set in motion, and under the spurring of public opinion was hurried so effectively as to bring about the repeal of the hated Act of 1865 within a few months. Freed in 1896 from all its fetters, British inventive skill and activity went ahead with unusual vigour. Factories were founded, but for the most part were compelled to rely upon the products of foreign brains, British initiative having been strangled for so long. Britain’s manufacturing entry into the arena brought about a general speeding-up in all directions. Our determination to make up the leeway created such an impression upon our competitors that they redoubled their efforts to keep ahead. But we had set the pace, and it was hot. It was not long before British cars began to assert themselves in the great Continental races and competitions, and a decisive achievement for British motor-manufac- turing prowess was recorded in 1902 by Mr. S. F. Edge winning the third contest for the Gordon- Bennett trophy over the 329 miles between Paris and Vienna, with an average speed of 34.3 miles per hour. After gaining a foothold in what may be described as the pleasure-car market, British endeavour turned