The Influence Of Lens In Medieval Times

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Recommended: History of science and technology from the middle ages

In this report I will be explaining about lenses in medieval times and how Eyeglass, microscope and telescope lenses were created, used for and how they affected the growth of science and technology in a positive and negative way. I will also be discussing the short and long-term impacts of lenses and how these have influenced the economic and social developments of medieval times.

Different Types of Lenses
What are lenses? A lens is a piece of glass or other material with curved sides that concentrate on objects that the human eye cannot or difficult see. The three main lenses that are used in Australia today are eyeglass, microscope and telescope lenses. Firstly, eyeglass lenses were used by people who experience uneven or rough pupils. Secondly, biologist use microscope so they can see animals and specimens that are too small for the human eye. Thirdly, telescopic lenses are used by astronomers …show more content…

Early magnifiers were called “flea glasses”. These early developments in lenses lead to the evolution of microscopes.

The Evolution of Telescopic Lenses
Although telescopes were made in 1608 (by Hans Lippershey) the telescope is still linked with the medieval times. As early as 200BCE, research suggests rock crystals were used to observe the reflection and refraction of light. These early techniques made it possible for Lippershey and later Galileo to invent and improve the telescope lenses.

In 1490CE Leonardo Davinci used a concave mirror, which was a primitive reflecting telescope, used for astronomy purposes. From 1520-1559CE Leonard Digges invented perspective glass that was used to view small objects from far away. In 1538CE Professor Fracastoro suggested putting together lenses to create a telescopic effect for his work. The development of the telescope was significant to the scientific revolution of the 17th century.

The Change of Lenses Through our

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