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First US patent is granted to Samuel Hopkins for a potash process

Samuel Hopkins (December 9, 1743 – 1818) was an American inventor from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, On July 31, 1790, he was granted the first U.S. patent, under the new U.S.

Samuel Hopkins (December 9, 1743 – 1818) was an American inventor from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, On July 31, 1790, he was granted the first U.S. patent, under the new U.S. patent statute just signed into law by President Washington on April 10, 1790. Hopkins had petitioned for a patent on an improvement "in the making of Potash and Pearlash by a new Apparatus and Process."

The statute did not create a Patent Office. Instead a committee of the Secretary of State, Secretary of War and the Attorney General were authorized to make a decision on the merit of a properly documented petition.

The patent was signed by President George Washington, Attorney General Edmund Randolph, and Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson. The other U.S.

Historical Significance

Samuel Hopkins (December 9, 1743 – 1818) was an American inventor from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, On July 31, 1790, he was granted the first U.

Events Before

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  2. First US Electoral College chooses George Washington as President and John Adams as Vice President

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  3. First US Congress begins regular sessions during George Washington's presidency at Federal Hall, NYC (ends 1791)

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  5. George Washington is inaugurated as the first President of the United States of America at Federal Hall in NYC

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  3. The new French Constitution, declaring France a constitutional monarchy, is passed by the National Assembly during the F

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  4. Wolfgang Mozart's dramatic opera "La Clemenza di Tito" premieres at the Estates Theatre in Prague

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  5. Emma, Lady Hamilton (26) marries Sir William Hamilton (60) at St Marylebone Parish Church in London

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on July 31, 1790?
Samuel Hopkins (December 9, 1743 – 1818) was an American inventor from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, On July 31, 1790, he was granted the first U.S. patent, under the new U.S. patent statute just signed into law by President Washington on April 10, 1790.
Why is First US patent is granted to Samuel Hopkins for a potash process significant?
Samuel Hopkins (December 9, 1743 – 1818) was an American inventor from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, On July 31, 1790, he was granted the first U.

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July 31 in HistoryYear 1790