Workers of Speculum

Abstract

In the last chapter, we explored the rise of the long focal length, non-achromatic refractors, containing a singlet objective lens and how, though unwieldy and difficult to use, skilled observers were able to use them to push back the frontiers of knowledge, showing humankind that the universe was vastly more complicated and interesting than anyone had dared imagine before. But even in these early days of telescopic astronomy, there were many who already felt that there must be better ways to bring the universe closer, more convenient contrivances to explore the heavens. This quest led some to consider the properties of mirrors rather than lenses.