used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading GETTING AN IDEA Almost every one has had, at some time or other an _idea_ for a new _invention_ or of how some old _device_ could be improved.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading And to give up a good idea and then find that some one else has thought of the same thing later, worked it up and made money out of it gives a fellow a most uncomfortable feeling about what might have been.
a record or narrative description of past events
From this reading Now my purpose is not to tell you _what_ to invent as much as it is to tell you _how_ to invent and, if when you get an idea that you believe worth while you will follow it up step by step as I have outlined in this book you will at least save yourself time, worry and money and you stand a chance of winning fame, glory, and a bank account.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading GETTING AN IDEA Almost every one has had, at some time or other an _idea_ for a new _invention_ or of how some old _device_ could be improved.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading ~How to Get an Idea.--~There is only one way to invent a new thing or to make an improvement on something that has already been invented and that is to get an idea.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading GETTING AN IDEA Almost every one has had, at some time or other an _idea_ for a new _invention_ or of how some old _device_ could be improved.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading To get an original idea for an invention is in itself a mark of genius, but it is not enough to make it a success and if you do not know how to develop it you are almost certain to give up before you have completed it.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading To get an original idea for an invention is in itself a mark of genius, but it is not enough to make it a success and if you do not know how to develop it you are almost certain to give up before you have completed it.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Now my purpose is not to tell you _what_ to invent as much as it is to tell you _how_ to invent and, if when you get an idea that you believe worth while you will follow it up step by step as I have outlined in this book you will at least save yourself time, worry and money and you stand a chance of winning fame, glory, and a bank account.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading GETTING AN IDEA Almost every one has had, at some time or other an _idea_ for a new _invention_ or of how some old _device_ could be improved.
sloping land (especially the slope beside a body of water)
From this reading Now my purpose is not to tell you _what_ to invent as much as it is to tell you _how_ to invent and, if when you get an idea that you believe worth while you will follow it up step by step as I have outlined in this book you will at least save yourself time, worry and money and you stand a chance of winning fame, glory, and a bank account.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading GETTING AN IDEA Almost every one has had, at some time or other an _idea_ for a new _invention_ or of how some old _device_ could be improved.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading And to give up a good idea and then find that some one else has thought of the same thing later, worked it up and made money out of it gives a fellow a most uncomfortable feeling about what might have been.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading To get an original idea for an invention is in itself a mark of genius, but it is not enough to make it a success and if you do not know how to develop it you are almost certain to give up before you have completed it.
accept as true; take to be true
From this reading Now my purpose is not to tell you _what_ to invent as much as it is to tell you _how_ to invent and, if when you get an idea that you believe worth while you will follow it up step by step as I have outlined in this book you will at least save yourself time, worry and money and you stand a chance of winning fame, glory, and a bank account.
a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)
From this reading Now my purpose is not to tell you _what_ to invent as much as it is to tell you _how_ to invent and, if when you get an idea that you believe worth while you will follow it up step by step as I have outlined in this book you will at least save yourself time, worry and money and you stand a chance of winning fame, glory, and a bank account.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading To get an original idea for an invention is in itself a mark of genius, but it is not enough to make it a success and if you do not know how to develop it you are almost certain to give up before you have completed it.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Now my purpose is not to tell you _what_ to invent as much as it is to tell you _how_ to invent and, if when you get an idea that you believe worth while you will follow it up step by step as I have outlined in this book you will at least save yourself time, worry and money and you stand a chance of winning fame, glory, and a bank account.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading To get an original idea for an invention is in itself a mark of genius, but it is not enough to make it a success and if you do not know how to develop it you are almost certain to give up before you have completed it.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading Now my purpose is not to tell you _what_ to invent as much as it is to tell you _how_ to invent and, if when you get an idea that you believe worth while you will follow it up step by step as I have outlined in this book you will at least save yourself time, worry and money and you stand a chance of winning fame, glory, and a bank account.
successfully completed or brought to an end
From this reading To get an original idea for an invention is in itself a mark of genius, but it is not enough to make it a success and if you do not know how to develop it you are almost certain to give up before you have completed it.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading GETTING AN IDEA Almost every one has had, at some time or other an _idea_ for a new _invention_ or of how some old _device_ could be improved.
developverbUS /dɪˈveləp/
make something new, such as a product or a mental or artistic creation
From this reading To get an original idea for an invention is in itself a mark of genius, but it is not enough to make it a success and if you do not know how to develop it you are almost certain to give up before you have completed it.
devicenounUS /dɪˈvaɪs/
an instrumentality invented for a particular purpose
From this reading GETTING AN IDEA Almost every one has had, at some time or other an _idea_ for a new _invention_ or of how some old _device_ could be improved.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading To get an original idea for an invention is in itself a mark of genius, but it is not enough to make it a success and if you do not know how to develop it you are almost certain to give up before you have completed it.
else
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And to give up a good idea and then find that some one else has thought of the same thing later, worked it up and made money out of it gives a fellow a most uncomfortable feeling about what might have been.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading To get an original idea for an invention is in itself a mark of genius, but it is not enough to make it a success and if you do not know how to develop it you are almost certain to give up before you have completed it.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading GETTING AN IDEA Almost every one has had, at some time or other an _idea_ for a new _invention_ or of how some old _device_ could be improved.
the state or quality of being widely honored and acclaimed
From this reading Now my purpose is not to tell you _what_ to invent as much as it is to tell you _how_ to invent and, if when you get an idea that you believe worth while you will follow it up step by step as I have outlined in this book you will at least save yourself time, worry and money and you stand a chance of winning fame, glory, and a bank account.
the experiencing of affective and emotional states
From this reading And to give up a good idea and then find that some one else has thought of the same thing later, worked it up and made money out of it gives a fellow a most uncomfortable feeling about what might have been.
a boy or man
From this reading And to give up a good idea and then find that some one else has thought of the same thing later, worked it up and made money out of it gives a fellow a most uncomfortable feeling about what might have been.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading And to give up a good idea and then find that some one else has thought of the same thing later, worked it up and made money out of it gives a fellow a most uncomfortable feeling about what might have been.
to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading Now my purpose is not to tell you _what_ to invent as much as it is to tell you _how_ to invent and, if when you get an idea that you believe worth while you will follow it up step by step as I have outlined in this book you will at least save yourself time, worry and money and you stand a chance of winning fame, glory, and a bank account.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading GETTING AN IDEA Almost every one has had, at some time or other an _idea_ for a new _invention_ or of how some old _device_ could be improved.
someone who has exceptional intellectual ability and originality
From this reading To get an original idea for an invention is in itself a mark of genius, but it is not enough to make it a success and if you do not know how to develop it you are almost certain to give up before you have completed it.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading To get an original idea for an invention is in itself a mark of genius, but it is not enough to make it a success and if you do not know how to develop it you are almost certain to give up before you have completed it.
the act of acquiring something
From this reading GETTING AN IDEA Almost every one has had, at some time or other an _idea_ for a new _invention_ or of how some old _device_ could be improved.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading To get an original idea for an invention is in itself a mark of genius, but it is not enough to make it a success and if you do not know how to develop it you are almost certain to give up before you have completed it.
plural of “give” — the elasticity of something that can be stretched and returns to its original length
From this reading And to give up a good idea and then find that some one else has thought of the same thing later, worked it up and made money out of it gives a fellow a most uncomfortable feeling about what might have been.
a state of high honor
From this reading Now my purpose is not to tell you _what_ to invent as much as it is to tell you _how_ to invent and, if when you get an idea that you believe worth while you will follow it up step by step as I have outlined in this book you will at least save yourself time, worry and money and you stand a chance of winning fame, glory, and a bank account.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading And to give up a good idea and then find that some one else has thought of the same thing later, worked it up and made money out of it gives a fellow a most uncomfortable feeling about what might have been.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading GETTING AN IDEA Almost every one has had, at some time or other an _idea_ for a new _invention_ or of how some old _device_ could be improved.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading GETTING AN IDEA Almost every one has had, at some time or other an _idea_ for a new _invention_ or of how some old _device_ could be improved.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading To get an original idea for an invention is in itself a mark of genius, but it is not enough to make it a success and if you do not know how to develop it you are almost certain to give up before you have completed it.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading GETTING AN IDEA Almost every one has had, at some time or other an _idea_ for a new _invention_ or of how some old _device_ could be improved.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading Now my purpose is not to tell you _what_ to invent as much as it is to tell you _how_ to invent and, if when you get an idea that you believe worth while you will follow it up step by step as I have outlined in this book you will at least save yourself time, worry and money and you stand a chance of winning fame, glory, and a bank account.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading GETTING AN IDEA Almost every one has had, at some time or other an _idea_ for a new _invention_ or of how some old _device_ could be improved.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading To get an original idea for an invention is in itself a mark of genius, but it is not enough to make it a success and if you do not know how to develop it you are almost certain to give up before you have completed it.
improvedadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpruːvd/
made more desirable or valuable or profitable; especially made ready for use or marketing
From this reading GETTING AN IDEA Almost every one has had, at some time or other an _idea_ for a new _invention_ or of how some old _device_ could be improved.
improvementnounUS /ˌɪmˈpruːvmənt/
a change for the better; progress in development
From this reading ~How to Get an Idea.--~There is only one way to invent a new thing or to make an improvement on something that has already been invented and that is to get an idea.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading To get an original idea for an invention is in itself a mark of genius, but it is not enough to make it a success and if you do not know how to develop it you are almost certain to give up before you have completed it.
inventverbUS /ˌɪnˈvent/
come up with (an idea, plan, explanation, theory, or principle) after a mental effort
From this reading Now my purpose is not to tell you _what_ to invent as much as it is to tell you _how_ to invent and, if when you get an idea that you believe worth while you will follow it up step by step as I have outlined in this book you will at least save yourself time, worry and money and you stand a chance of winning fame, glory, and a bank account.
inventedverbUS /ˌɪnˈventəd/
past form of “invent” — come up with (an idea, plan, explanation, theory, or principle) after a mental effort
From this reading ~How to Get an Idea.--~There is only one way to invent a new thing or to make an improvement on something that has already been invented and that is to get an idea.
inventionnounUS /ˌɪnˈvenʃən/
the creation of something in the mind
From this reading GETTING AN IDEA Almost every one has had, at some time or other an _idea_ for a new _invention_ or of how some old _device_ could be improved.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading To get an original idea for an invention is in itself a mark of genius, but it is not enough to make it a success and if you do not know how to develop it you are almost certain to give up before you have completed it.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading To get an original idea for an invention is in itself a mark of genius, but it is not enough to make it a success and if you do not know how to develop it you are almost certain to give up before you have completed it.
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading To get an original idea for an invention is in itself a mark of genius, but it is not enough to make it a success and if you do not know how to develop it you are almost certain to give up before you have completed it.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading To get an original idea for an invention is in itself a mark of genius, but it is not enough to make it a success and if you do not know how to develop it you are almost certain to give up before you have completed it.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading And to give up a good idea and then find that some one else has thought of the same thing later, worked it up and made money out of it gives a fellow a most uncomfortable feeling about what might have been.
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading Now my purpose is not to tell you _what_ to invent as much as it is to tell you _how_ to invent and, if when you get an idea that you believe worth while you will follow it up step by step as I have outlined in this book you will at least save yourself time, worry and money and you stand a chance of winning fame, glory, and a bank account.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading And to give up a good idea and then find that some one else has thought of the same thing later, worked it up and made money out of it gives a fellow a most uncomfortable feeling about what might have been.
engage in
From this reading To get an original idea for an invention is in itself a mark of genius, but it is not enough to make it a success and if you do not know how to develop it you are almost certain to give up before you have completed it.
attach a tag or label to
From this reading To get an original idea for an invention is in itself a mark of genius, but it is not enough to make it a success and if you do not know how to develop it you are almost certain to give up before you have completed it.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading And to give up a good idea and then find that some one else has thought of the same thing later, worked it up and made money out of it gives a fellow a most uncomfortable feeling about what might have been.
the most common medium of exchange; functions as legal tender
From this reading And to give up a good idea and then find that some one else has thought of the same thing later, worked it up and made money out of it gives a fellow a most uncomfortable feeling about what might have been.
used to form the superlative
From this reading And to give up a good idea and then find that some one else has thought of the same thing later, worked it up and made money out of it gives a fellow a most uncomfortable feeling about what might have been.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Now my purpose is not to tell you _what_ to invent as much as it is to tell you _how_ to invent and, if when you get an idea that you believe worth while you will follow it up step by step as I have outlined in this book you will at least save yourself time, worry and money and you stand a chance of winning fame, glory, and a bank account.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading Now my purpose is not to tell you _what_ to invent as much as it is to tell you _how_ to invent and, if when you get an idea that you believe worth while you will follow it up step by step as I have outlined in this book you will at least save yourself time, worry and money and you stand a chance of winning fame, glory, and a bank account.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading GETTING AN IDEA Almost every one has had, at some time or other an _idea_ for a new _invention_ or of how some old _device_ could be improved.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading To get an original idea for an invention is in itself a mark of genius, but it is not enough to make it a success and if you do not know how to develop it you are almost certain to give up before you have completed it.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Now my purpose is not to tell you _what_ to invent as much as it is to tell you _how_ to invent and, if when you get an idea that you believe worth while you will follow it up step by step as I have outlined in this book you will at least save yourself time, worry and money and you stand a chance of winning fame, glory, and a bank account.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading GETTING AN IDEA Almost every one has had, at some time or other an _idea_ for a new _invention_ or of how some old _device_ could be improved.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading GETTING AN IDEA Almost every one has had, at some time or other an _idea_ for a new _invention_ or of how some old _device_ could be improved.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading ~How to Get an Idea.--~There is only one way to invent a new thing or to make an improvement on something that has already been invented and that is to get an idea.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading GETTING AN IDEA Almost every one has had, at some time or other an _idea_ for a new _invention_ or of how some old _device_ could be improved.
and nothing more
From this reading ~How to Get an Idea.--~There is only one way to invent a new thing or to make an improvement on something that has already been invented and that is to get an idea.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading GETTING AN IDEA Almost every one has had, at some time or other an _idea_ for a new _invention_ or of how some old _device_ could be improved.
preceding all others in time or being as first made or performed
From this reading To get an original idea for an invention is in itself a mark of genius, but it is not enough to make it a success and if you do not know how to develop it you are almost certain to give up before you have completed it.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading GETTING AN IDEA Almost every one has had, at some time or other an _idea_ for a new _invention_ or of how some old _device_ could be improved.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading And to give up a good idea and then find that some one else has thought of the same thing later, worked it up and made money out of it gives a fellow a most uncomfortable feeling about what might have been.
outlinedadjectiveUS /ˈaʊtlaɪnd/
showing clearly the outline or profile or boundary
From this reading Now my purpose is not to tell you _what_ to invent as much as it is to tell you _how_ to invent and, if when you get an idea that you believe worth while you will follow it up step by step as I have outlined in this book you will at least save yourself time, worry and money and you stand a chance of winning fame, glory, and a bank account.
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading Now my purpose is not to tell you _what_ to invent as much as it is to tell you _how_ to invent and, if when you get an idea that you believe worth while you will follow it up step by step as I have outlined in this book you will at least save yourself time, worry and money and you stand a chance of winning fame, glory, and a bank account.
Identical; not different.
From this reading And to give up a good idea and then find that some one else has thought of the same thing later, worked it up and made money out of it gives a fellow a most uncomfortable feeling about what might have been.
except for; apart from
From this reading Now my purpose is not to tell you _what_ to invent as much as it is to tell you _how_ to invent and, if when you get an idea that you believe worth while you will follow it up step by step as I have outlined in this book you will at least save yourself time, worry and money and you stand a chance of winning fame, glory, and a bank account.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading GETTING AN IDEA Almost every one has had, at some time or other an _idea_ for a new _invention_ or of how some old _device_ could be improved.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading ~How to Get an Idea.--~There is only one way to invent a new thing or to make an improvement on something that has already been invented and that is to get an idea.
be standing; be upright
From this reading Now my purpose is not to tell you _what_ to invent as much as it is to tell you _how_ to invent and, if when you get an idea that you believe worth while you will follow it up step by step as I have outlined in this book you will at least save yourself time, worry and money and you stand a chance of winning fame, glory, and a bank account.
any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal
From this reading Now my purpose is not to tell you _what_ to invent as much as it is to tell you _how_ to invent and, if when you get an idea that you believe worth while you will follow it up step by step as I have outlined in this book you will at least save yourself time, worry and money and you stand a chance of winning fame, glory, and a bank account.
an event that accomplishes its intended purpose
From this reading To get an original idea for an invention is in itself a mark of genius, but it is not enough to make it a success and if you do not know how to develop it you are almost certain to give up before you have completed it.
express in words
From this reading Now my purpose is not to tell you _what_ to invent as much as it is to tell you _how_ to invent and, if when you get an idea that you believe worth while you will follow it up step by step as I have outlined in this book you will at least save yourself time, worry and money and you stand a chance of winning fame, glory, and a bank account.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading And to give up a good idea and then find that some one else has thought of the same thing later, worked it up and made money out of it gives a fellow a most uncomfortable feeling about what might have been.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading And to give up a good idea and then find that some one else has thought of the same thing later, worked it up and made money out of it gives a fellow a most uncomfortable feeling about what might have been.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading And to give up a good idea and then find that some one else has thought of the same thing later, worked it up and made money out of it gives a fellow a most uncomfortable feeling about what might have been.
in or at that place or location
From this reading ~How to Get an Idea.--~There is only one way to invent a new thing or to make an improvement on something that has already been invented and that is to get an idea.
a special situation
From this reading And to give up a good idea and then find that some one else has thought of the same thing later, worked it up and made money out of it gives a fellow a most uncomfortable feeling about what might have been.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Now my purpose is not to tell you _what_ to invent as much as it is to tell you _how_ to invent and, if when you get an idea that you believe worth while you will follow it up step by step as I have outlined in this book you will at least save yourself time, worry and money and you stand a chance of winning fame, glory, and a bank account.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading And to give up a good idea and then find that some one else has thought of the same thing later, worked it up and made money out of it gives a fellow a most uncomfortable feeling about what might have been.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading GETTING AN IDEA Almost every one has had, at some time or other an _idea_ for a new _invention_ or of how some old _device_ could be improved.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading To get an original idea for an invention is in itself a mark of genius, but it is not enough to make it a success and if you do not know how to develop it you are almost certain to give up before you have completed it.
uncomfortableadjectiveUS /ənˈkʌmfərtəbəl/
conducive to or feeling mental discomfort
From this reading And to give up a good idea and then find that some one else has thought of the same thing later, worked it up and made money out of it gives a fellow a most uncomfortable feeling about what might have been.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading To get an original idea for an invention is in itself a mark of genius, but it is not enough to make it a success and if you do not know how to develop it you are almost certain to give up before you have completed it.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading ~How to Get an Idea.--~There is only one way to invent a new thing or to make an improvement on something that has already been invented and that is to get an idea.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading And to give up a good idea and then find that some one else has thought of the same thing later, worked it up and made money out of it gives a fellow a most uncomfortable feeling about what might have been.
at the time that
From this reading Now my purpose is not to tell you _what_ to invent as much as it is to tell you _how_ to invent and, if when you get an idea that you believe worth while you will follow it up step by step as I have outlined in this book you will at least save yourself time, worry and money and you stand a chance of winning fame, glory, and a bank account.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Now my purpose is not to tell you _what_ to invent as much as it is to tell you _how_ to invent and, if when you get an idea that you believe worth while you will follow it up step by step as I have outlined in this book you will at least save yourself time, worry and money and you stand a chance of winning fame, glory, and a bank account.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading Now my purpose is not to tell you _what_ to invent as much as it is to tell you _how_ to invent and, if when you get an idea that you believe worth while you will follow it up step by step as I have outlined in this book you will at least save yourself time, worry and money and you stand a chance of winning fame, glory, and a bank account.
winningadjectiveUS /ˈwɪnɪŋ/
having won
From this reading Now my purpose is not to tell you _what_ to invent as much as it is to tell you _how_ to invent and, if when you get an idea that you believe worth while you will follow it up step by step as I have outlined in this book you will at least save yourself time, worry and money and you stand a chance of winning fame, glory, and a bank account.
past form of “work” — exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading And to give up a good idea and then find that some one else has thought of the same thing later, worked it up and made money out of it gives a fellow a most uncomfortable feeling about what might have been.
be worried, concerned, anxious, troubled, or uneasy
From this reading Now my purpose is not to tell you _what_ to invent as much as it is to tell you _how_ to invent and, if when you get an idea that you believe worth while you will follow it up step by step as I have outlined in this book you will at least save yourself time, worry and money and you stand a chance of winning fame, glory, and a bank account.
an indefinite quantity of something having a specified value
From this reading Now my purpose is not to tell you _what_ to invent as much as it is to tell you _how_ to invent and, if when you get an idea that you believe worth while you will follow it up step by step as I have outlined in this book you will at least save yourself time, worry and money and you stand a chance of winning fame, glory, and a bank account.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading To get an original idea for an invention is in itself a mark of genius, but it is not enough to make it a success and if you do not know how to develop it you are almost certain to give up before you have completed it.
used when the person spoken to is also the object of the action
From this reading Now my purpose is not to tell you _what_ to invent as much as it is to tell you _how_ to invent and, if when you get an idea that you believe worth while you will follow it up step by step as I have outlined in this book you will at least save yourself time, worry and money and you stand a chance of winning fame, glory, and a bank account.
