True Invention: That is, of the inventions which have been invented by the German nation

We, however, intend to treat here (not of the evil, harmful ones, but) of the useful and good inventions of people, which, the more useful they are to the human race, are so much more hidden and difficult to discover—not as if nature begrudged their use to the human race, but much more to stimulate and sharpen the same, so that the one who first invented such arts through great labor and effort (through which, according to the opinion of the wise men of the world, the immortal gods are accustomed to sell their goods to humans, as it were) and brought them into possession, would be encouraged and moved to hold the same henceforth in so much greater value and honor, and much less to dishonor them or share them with other unworthy ones. Of such kind, now, are various considerable goods, arts, and inventions, in part Universalia universal things and general ones, which are either useful to the whole world in common, or to Christendom and other kingdoms, lands, and peoples at the same time, and are so profitable that a general change has been caused by them. On the other hand, however, they are particular specific or special, which do not extend as far as those just mentioned, nor can other kingdoms, lands, and provinces show anything similar to them.