Charlie Taylor and the problem of securing engineering credit

Charlie Taylor's light engine supplies an example for engineering students learning the history behind their field. Clarke credits that engine as essential to the Wright Flyer's success and alleges that the Wright brothers denied Taylor proper recognition and patent credit. In this account, Taylor's illiteracy prevented him from challenging their claims effectively, and he and his family were left impoverished. An unnamed French engine innovator supplies a second example of technical ideas being marketed by others when their originator lacked business and investment skills. The argument is that engineers need to communicate and protect their work as well as develop it.