Set of 12 trial lenses and a pair of trial frames, Europe, 1880-1920

Made:
1880-1920 in Europe
Set of 12 trial lenses and pair of trial frames in purple

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Set of 12 trial lenses and pair of trial frames in purple
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Set of 12 trial lenses and pair of trial frames in purple leather covered case, made in England(?), 1880-1920

Each of the 12 glass lenses can be inserted into the blue metal frames. This changes the way the light is bent when it enters the eye. These lenses may have been intended to assess what a person required in their spectacles. However, the thickness and unusual shape of the lenses indicate they were used to test patients with severe sight problems. The case is punched with the initials of the original owner, “Dr M.”. The set was sold at auction and bought by Henry Wellcome in 1928.

Details

Category:
Ophthalmology
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A196851
Materials:
glass, frames, metal, case, wood, case, leather, case, brass and case, velvet
Measurements:
overall: 47 mm x 82 mm x 190 mm, .39kg
type:
trial lenses
credit:
Wellcome Trust (Purchased from Stevens)