Signor Tonti and his Tontines One of the most interesting, but least recorded, events of 1650 was Signor Lorenzon Tonti's invention of the ten-pocket trouser.  It was only April, yet this was already his sixteenth invention of that year.  But, unlike all of his more recent inventions - the musket which fired in both directions at once (for the benefit of surrounded troops), the neckerchief made with a surface similar to what we now call sandpaper (to maximise its cleansing properties), the table knife with two blades carved from potato which would thus function as an edible fork, and many others besides - this one would make him a rich man.  He was sure of it.  The ten-pocket trouser would make him a rich man.  Finally, he would acquire the respect of the Court, the adulation of the masses, the acquiescence of a certain lady, all those things which had so far eluded him. "What do you think?" he asked Beaufort, his lacky. "Sir, you have excelled yourself.  It is a most handsome garment." "Yes, of course it's handsome, you idiot, but is it practical?" "Indeed sir, so very very practical.  You will for long be remembered as 'Tonti, Genius of the Ten-Pocket Pantaloon.'" "Good.  Thank you.  Now go and find me some objects of daily use.  Ten.  To put in the pockets." "Put them in the pockets, sir?" "Well that's what the pockets are for, aren't they?  To put things in." "I beg your Grace's pardon, sir.  I thought they were merely there for beauty, so elegant are they." Signor Tonti sighed.