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Early printed book contains rare evidence of medieval spectacles (2012)

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Re: Early printed book contains rare evidence of medieval spectacles (2012)

#31

Post by robertbaruch »

bloak wrote: post #22
mirimir wrote: post #13

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> From an earlier orbus ab oculīs ("deprived of eyes"). > (Late Latin) blind https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/ab_oculis

I don't think that link to "ab oculis" is relevant. I suspect that "ab" just means something like "on, in front of" in this case: "glasses in front of the eyes for reading". If you have time, check this article for the various possible meanings of "ab": http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus:text:19... (It's a bit more detailed than wiktionary!)

I love how there are so many Latinists here :)

Re: Early printed book contains rare evidence of medieval spectacles (2012)

#32

Post by bane »

ianai wrote: post #23
oldcynic wrote: post #19

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Most eyeglasses cost under $10 to make, lens included. It's still an expensive item thanks to the near monopoly of both frame and lens production. Nearly every brand you know are owned by just two companies. Those two are now merging: https://www.theguardian.com/news/2018/may/10/the-invisible-p...

Excellent example of the “free”economy not working toward efficiency and actively working toward concentration. We really need more,checks and balances.

It's easy. Go start a glasses frame and lens company and sell them for less. There's nothing at all stopping you.

Re: Early printed book contains rare evidence of medieval spectacles (2012)

#33

Post by bane »

jcelerier wrote: post #15
ironjunkie wrote: post #14

Amazing that glasses was invented almost thousand years ago, and today it is still that overly expensive item. I only need glasses since the last year or so and I have been amazed by how monopolistic and bad this whole industry is. The prescriptions are fairly standard, but still, making a pair of glasses cost more or less 200$ and require a 1:1 appointment. The price of the lens mounts is just ridiculous for a piece…

> The prescriptions are fairly standard, but still, making a pair of glasses cost more or less 200$ and require a 1:1 appointment. Depends on the country. I went to Japan for vacation a few months ago ; my girlfriend wanted a new pair of glasses. She just went to a mall in an optical center, they took her eye measurements on the spot, we went back two hours after and the glasses were ready.

Quick glasses are very common in developed countries. In the U.S. at least you can find a Visionworks or a Lenscrafters (or similar) pretty much anywhere and their hook is "glasses in about an hour". They usually have an optometrist in the store so you can get prescriptions there.

Some newer companies (Stanton Optical) are even starting to offer the complete service inside of 15 minutes so you can get the glasses while you wait and frames run as low as $20.

Re: Early printed book contains rare evidence of medieval spectacles (2012)

#34

Post by mirimir »

bloak wrote: post #22
mirimir wrote: post #13

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> From an earlier orbus ab oculīs ("deprived of eyes"). > (Late Latin) blind https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/ab_oculis

I don't think that link to "ab oculis" is relevant. I suspect that "ab" just means something like "on, in front of" in this case: "glasses in front of the eyes for reading". If you have time, check this article for the various possible meanings of "ab": http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus:text:19... (It's a bit more detailed than wiktionary!)

OK, I dug out my old Cassell's. And I stand corrected. It's "glasses in front of the eyes for reading".

Re: Early printed book contains rare evidence of medieval spectacles (2012)

#35

Post by mirimir »

robertbaruch wrote: post #31
bloak wrote: post #22

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I don't think that link to "ab oculis" is relevant. I suspect that "ab" just means something like "on, in front of" in this case: "glasses in front of the eyes for reading". If you have time, check this article for the various possible meanings of "ab": http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus:text:19... (It's a bit more detailed than wiktionary!)

I love how there are so many Latinists here :)

Hey, Latin was my third language :)
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