This book is published by High View, ISBN 0 948802 41 3, and is now available.
Hardback, 140x220mm, 242pp, 13 b&w illustrations. Price £17.50+p&p at cost (UK, £3.50).
The author was a patent examiner for 35 years after qualifying as a chartered textile technologist following 10 years of industrial experience. He has been a member of the Royal Society of Arts for 50 years, and was a member of the RSA Library and Historical Studies Committees for more than ten years. James Harrison has also been a member of the Newcomen Society for the Study of History of Engineering for 50 years.
The book charts the progress of monetary awards ("to encourage improvements in agriculture, manufactures and commerce") made by the Society of Arts following its first meeting in 1754. It describes the development of these awards and of patent reform, leading to the establishment of a single UK Patent Office.
The William Shipley Group, which is dedicated to continuing the study of the History of the RSA will benefit from proceeds of the sale of the book.
Further details are available at this link.
Further enquiries to High View. Go to High View Books.