Letter from Victor J. Evans to Harry George

A formal letter from Victor J. Evans & Co., United States and Foreign Patents. It is dated March 16, 1918 and addressed to Mr. Harry L. George at the Grand Pacific Hotel in San Francisco, California. The letter acknowledges the receipt of Mr. George's previous correspondence about a new discovery potentially interesting to the War Department. It mentions that the discovery involves material used by Indians but not yet introduced for domestic use. It advises that generally, one cannot patent old material, but if the article itself is new, a patent might be obtained. It advises that novel drug discoveries could secure patents, emphasizing the importance of novelty for broad patent claims. The letter explains that without a detailed description, it cannot be determined if the discovery is patentable. It further explains the general inability to patent the new use of existing materials, providing an example related to aluminum shingles. Additionally, the letter suggests describing the discovery and its applications for a more informed opinion on patentability and concludes with an assurance of their efforts in protecting his discovery. It is signed Very truly yours.