Several British and Spanish historians maintain their own explorers discovered the islands, leading to claims from both sides on the grounds of prior discovery.

This unease often manifests itself in contemporary novels, movies, and popular culture, as it did with numerous prior scientific discoveries and inventions.

As the years went by new criteria for determining sovereignty evolved in European international law, including "prior discovery" and "effective occupation".

Said they claimed the place by right of prior discovery.

I've heard stories of prior discovery, Chairman Ch'ien.

Or only to prevent prior discovery?

We have no wish to intrude," observed Professor Bumper, "and I fully recognize the right of prior discovery.

Spence's literary discovery that had its roots in his prior discoveries of some of Trenholm's wrecked blockade runners made international news.

"We own as much of it as we care to stake out, by right of prior discovery!"

It would have meant preparing an identical tract of land, complete in every detail, and the risk of prior discovery had been too great.