Why did the Shaker community refuse to patent Babbitt's circular saw design?

Answer

It conflicted with their principles of common ownership.

The Shaker philosophy dictated that any useful invention belonged to everyone, preventing members from claiming exclusive rights to a beneficial technology for personal financial gain.

Why did the Shaker community refuse to patent Babbitt's circular saw design?

#Videos

Tabitha Babbot: The Woman Behind the Circular Saw

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