Selden had an interest in the early development of the automobile and 2 cycle auto engine developed by George Brayton. On May 8, 1879 Selden filed a patent for his "road engine" which inclded an engine similar to Brayton's. The patent laws of that day allowed you to pre-date the patent so that his invention is listed as being made in 1877. The patent laws also allowed for updates to be made within a two year period so by sending in changes to his patent the date of issue of the patent from the US governement wasn't until Nov. 5, 1895.

The pictures at the right are an overview from the patent and engine used in the patent. Notice that a witness to the patent was George Eastman.