History Lesson

**Optical Misfit** · 05-20-2002, 02:05 PM

Requesting help from others. Received these three questions from a fourth grade class. They are preforming a science project.

1) Who invented the first pair of eyeglasses?

2) What are the nosepieces made out of?

3) What other materials do you use?

The second question is the tough one. I am not sure of the different material used in nose pads.

Please remember that these are fourth graders so we will want to simplify the answers.

Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Optical Misfit

**Laurie** · 05-20-2002, 02:55 PM

1. Even recently, historians have been debating who first had the idea of spectacles, either the English sholar, Roger Bacon, the monk, Alexander Spina, doctor Bernard de Gondon in Montpellier or the Florentine gentleman, Salvino d' Armati, who is most frequently credited with the invention of spectacles. His tombstone in Florence reads:

"here lies Salvino Armati, the inventor of spectacles. May the Lord have mercy on his soul." (1317)

(from "Specatacles and Spyglasses", Pierre Marly, pp. 10-11)

2. I would just say silicone for the nose pads, but I am sure someone here has a better answer...

3. Other materials I have worked with:

Cellulose Acetate (ZYL)
Other high tech plastics
Buffalo Horn
Tortoise Shell
Metals
Solid Gold
Leather/snake skins

Anyone else?

Good luck with the little darlings,

Laurie : )

**Wes Trayner** · 05-20-2002, 05:48 PM

I am pretty sure that the Chinese had spectacles before that. See http://www.kyrene.k12.az.us/schools/...great/2amy.htm

**BobV** · 05-20-2002, 05:50 PM

For question 2...

vinyl and titanium, acetate.

For question 1, I defer to Laurie's expertise...

Bob V.

**Laurie** · 05-21-2002, 12:17 PM

Hi Wes,

I believe that when Marco Polo discussed the chineese wearing spectacles during his visit to china (prior to salvino d armati) he wrote that they wore them for a look of distinction, not for ophthalmic purposes. (historical attitude glasses)

: )

Laurie

**John R** · 05-21-2002, 12:31 PM

Ah have a look Here for a history lesson....

**Optical Misfit** · 05-22-2002, 08:33 AM

Thank you for your responses. I remember from school that Roger Bacon is credited as the Father of Optometry. John, I did find the same history lesson you offered. I think I will dig up the books from school and look through those as well.

Thank you once again.

Optical Misfit