dodo - Cementation process

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cementation_process

The cementation process is an obsolete technique for making steel by carburization of iron.

The process was described in a treatise published in Prague in 1574. It was again invented by Johann Nussbaum of Magdeburg, who began operations at Nuremberg (with partners) in 1601. The process was patented in England by William Ellyot and Mathias Meysey in 1614.

At that date, the "invention" could consist merely of the introduction of a new industry or product, or even a mere monopoly.