I. Introduction:
There had been many instruments of magnification used in the ancient times over 2000 years ago before the invention of spectacles. There are records from Rome 4BC telling of the use of water in an orb to enlarge view of letters. Cut emeralds were also used by the wealth when watching gladiator fights probably to block sunlight as well as enhance sight.
II. Discovery:
During about 1000 AD the reading stone or magnifying glass was created. It was usually made of quart or glass cut into a spherical shape; object that was laid on top of the reading material then it made the letter bigger. The Chinese were the 1st to take the glass pieces and place them in frames. It was after the late 1300’s that people started experimenting with putting these pieces of glass upon the face instead of on the paper.
III. Biography of Investigator:
James Ayscough, born 1706 was not the 1st to perfect the use of side pieces on spectacles (to hold glasses to face). The man who invented that was an English man in 1730 named Edward Scarlett; but no one is sure about any personal information about him. Ayscough however, worked off of Scarlett’s idea and created the double-hinged sided pieces. He was also the 1st man to introduce the idea of sunglasses. He usually suggested his clients use tinted blue or green lenses to improve vision. He died in 1759.
IV. IV. Impact on the world:
Spectacles were known as “a blessing to the aged”. This invention has made it so that the elderly can be more independent. Around the 1300’s spectacles became present on the subjects of paintings. They were seen as a sign of wisdom and respect. Around Europe they were also a very popular fashion statement or sign of wealth. They cost around $200 then.
V. Journal Article Review:
From the PFD file I used there was everything I needed. Before I stared this project I had no idea how long magnification tools had been around. It’s amazing how the idea of a thin cut stone (from 4 BC) could lead to the magnifying glass, to eye glasses, then to instruments like the microscope (that we use today).
VI. Bibliography:
· WWW: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Ayscough
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