History of Opticians

Question 1

For what purpose was the Chinese Emperor believed to have worn spectacles in 2283 BC?

Answer 1

Knowledge and Authority

Question 2

Since the first lenses are plus or convex, what were they used for?

Answer 2

Reading glasses

Question 3

“Here lies the inventor of spectacles.” This famous tombstone is an early record documenting the use of spectacles, and can be found on whose tombstone?

Answer 3

Salvino d’Armate

Question 4

What were some of the materials that the earliest glasses were made of?

Answer 4

Bone, leather, wood

Question 5

When were the first minus lenses introduced?

Answer 5

16th century

Question 6

When were toric lenses introduced?

Answer 6

19th century

Question 7

Early spectacles did not have sidepieces or temples. How were they secured to the head?

Answer 7

With a chain or chord with weights on the end draped over the top of the ears

Question 8

Who was credited with inventing frames that included temples?

Answer 8

Edward Scarlett