An old saying is that great vision is the parent of modern technology. In the long history of this world, many inventions have made their contribution to the human being, including fire, the wheel, agriculture, horse saddle stirrups, armor, water purification, gun power and so forth.
Among those inventions, spectacles are interesting that they were firstly invented in China but led to all the modern technology in Europe after its discovery in this land after many centuries. And those modern technologies travelled back to the East.
Trades and professions passing between generations have strict rules, the central of which is the apprenticeship system. The basic point is that it always takes an apprentice many years to become a master in any fields. Before getting the opportunities to exercise real skills, an apprentice always has to do numerous aggravating chores such as chopping wood, hauling water and the like. After many years, he can be a journeyman in his field such as swords, alchemical solutions, medicines, paintings etc.
The truth is that an apprentice would be quite aged when he has become a master. At this time, poor vision caused by natural aging is inevitable. As a result, two inventions are thought to be essential to pass those skills in all areas from a master to an apprentice. They are movable printing press and spectacles.
While printing press removed the constraints of manual copying of notes, visual correction by spectacles significantly lengthened the learning and producing life of individuals suffering vision problems. Actually most people will be bothered by certain eye problems when they become old. In this case, spectacles are believed to have greatly contributed to the development of all modern technology.
In modern time, spectacles and contact lenses all play decisive roles in extending one’s research or study life.