Nothing but what has visible substance, is capable of actual possession. - Joseph Yates

It is proper to inquire into the practice and precedents; and to see whether they have been uniform and concomitant.

Old rights must remain: it would be very unreasonable if it should be otherwise.

The invention of an author is a species of property unknown to the common law of England. Its usages are immemorial; and the views of it tend to the benefit and advantage of the public with respect to the necessaries of life, and not to the improvement and graces of mind.