Biblical Hebrew Forum

[Peter Kirk <peter AT qaya.org>]

On 20/11/2005 13:46, Dr. Joel M. Hoffman wrote:

> One example I often use in discussing etymology is the English word
> "patently."  By definition, a "patent" must be non-obvious.
>  

On the contrary, Joel. The original meaning of "patent" is "Obvious; 
plain." (meaning 2 of the adjective in 
http://www.answers.com/patent&r=67), from which is derived the archaic 
(meaning 6) "Open to general inspection. Used especially of documents." 
And "patent" in the sense (meaning 1 of the noun) "A grant made by a 
government that confers upon the creator of an invention the sole right 
to make, use, and sell that invention for a set period of time." retains 
that meaning because the condition for that grant by a government is 
that the details of the invention are made "Open to general inspection."

--
Peter Kirk
peter AT qaya.org (personal)
peterkirk AT qaya.org (work)
http://www.qaya.org/