And be it enacted, That whenever any Person or Persons shall seek to obtain any Patent under the Great Seal for any Discovery or Invention, such Person or Persons shall, in lieu of any Oath, Affirmation, or Affidavit which heretofore has or might be required to be taken or made upon or before obtaining any such Patent, make and subscribe, in the Presence of the Person before whom he might, but for the passing of this Act, be required to take or make such Oath, Affirmation, or Affidavit, a Declaration to the same Effect as such Oath, Affirmation, or Affidavit; and such Declaration, when duly made and subscribed, shall be to all Intents and Purposes as valid and effectual as the Oath, Affirmation, or Affidavit in lieu whereof it shall have been so made and subscribed.