37

1. General attitude. 37

Procedure involving only cursory scrutiny of familiar patents--

2. Consider wholes in forming tentative subdivisions of
subclasses. 38

3. Write tentative definitions of subdivisions. 38

4. Consider the significance of analogies found to traverse
parts of two or more existing subclasses. 38

5. Arrange groups on parallel or accordant lines where
practicable. 38

6. Watch for subcombinations deserving separate
recognition. 38

7. Consider whether the groups collectively will constitute
a proper class and their best correlation. 38

Procedure involving rigorous analysis--

8. Diagnose each patent for original classification. 39

9. Group and consider the disposition of patents deemed
foreign to the class. 39

10-15. Consider and indicate cross-referencing within
and to and from the class. 39, 40

Note. 40

THE CLASSIFICATION OF PATENTS

(A) INTRODUCTION.

Classification lies at the foundation of the mental processes. Without
the power of perceiving, recognizing resemblances, distinguishing
differences in things, phenomena and notions, grouping them mentally
according to those resemblances and differences, judgment is impossible,
nor could reason be exercised in proceeding from the known to the
unknown.

* * * * *

The facilitation and abbreviation of mental labor is at the bottom of
all mental progress. The reasoning faculties of Newton were not
different in qualitative character from those of a ploughman; the
difference lay in the extent to which they were exerted and the number
of facts which could be treated. Every thinking being generalizes more
or less, but it is the depth and extent of his generalizations which
distinguish the philosopher. Now it is the exertion of the classifying
and generalizing powers which thus enables the intellect of man to cope
in some degree with the infinite number and variety of natural phenomena
and objects. (Jevons, Principles of Science.)