W H O I N V E N T E D SPECTACLES?

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XIX, Issue XIX, 30 October 1897, Page 589

W H O I N V E N T E D SPECTACLES?

Dr. Johnson expressed his surprise that the inventor of spectacles had not found any biographer to celebrate his achievement. It is known that a monk named Rivalto, in a sermon preached at Florence in 1305, said s|»ecta<*les had lieen known al Mint twenty years. This would fix the time of their introduction at 1285. Accepting that date, it is still left in doubt as to the jierson who introduced them. The honour is divided lie tween two rivals, Spina ami Salvino, who flourishedaliout that time. Some state that Salvino was first to make the discovery ami turn it to practical use for his own advantage. He made known the astounding fact that he could arrest the decay and restore the original strength ami acuteness of sight even in those who were nearly blind. But he was careful to avoid giving even a hint as to the means by which he could effect this improvement. Spina, however, discovered the secret, ami proclaimed it to the world. He did not attempt to keep the .power he had dis covered ami use it for his own advantage exclusively. He generously made it com mon to all. Even if it lie granted that Salvino's discovery preceded that of Spina a few years in jMiint of time, it does not in the least reduce the latter's claim to the gratitude of mankind, nor alter the fact that the world—that great fiortion. at least, atHicted with defective vision is indebted to Spina for spectacles.