In researching Part IV of my series on the history of 17thC patents, this week I’ve been reading through the various proclamations issued by James I. I was of course supposed to focus on only the proclamations that had something to do with patent monopolies. But the table of contents was far too interesting to ignore.
I don't quite understand the restriction on alternate uses of grain (starch, beer) as a measure to improve food security. Wouldn't it be better for there to be such alternate uses to stimulate demand and therefore to maintain supply at higher levels than are needed for bare subsistence? Then in times of shortage, there's some buffer/excess capacity.
I don't quite understand the restriction on alternate uses of grain (starch, beer) as a measure to improve food security. Wouldn't it be better for there to be such alternate uses to stimulate demand and therefore to maintain supply at higher levels than are needed for bare subsistence? Then in times of shortage, there's some buffer/excess capacity.
The word "counterblaste" needs to come back into use. It's so evocative.