Many poetic notions are brought to brains by the dead ringer of a sea probe, as rough and solid as the underside he commands, standing on its deck. As he looks through the eyepiece of his brass telescope, he seems to be desperately searching the horizon for a unharmed harbor or island where he, his vessel, and his crew may ride out the rising storm. Horizontal though many have this dead ringer when it comes to the brass telescope, it has in actuality been used in many different areas in the history of human development. The telescope has further been a major contributor in close areas as astronomy, navigation, exploration, and defense. It all began a little over 400 years ago in the Netherlands.
The beginnings of the brass telescope can be traced to the year 1608. Even though history experts has not agreed upon on its exact inventor, many contribute its origins to three separate people. Even though he has been considered to be the first to conceive the actual design of the telescope, Sacharias Jansen was never given the patent. Jacob Metius was the one granted the patent. Shortly after Metius was given the patent, Hans Lippershey also applied for a patent on the brass telescope. Even though Lippershey was not given the patent, the Dutch government did in fact compensate him monetarily for his design ideas.
Telescopes were first manufactured using brass, since the metal is known to be highly durable. Brass has the capability of withstanding the destructive toll taken by such factors as time and the elements. These qualities were of particular importance to sailors, since the brass could withstand the detrimental effects which salt water can have on materials over a period of time. Unlike lead or iron, brass does not break down when exposed to corrosives.
The importance of brass telescopes was not only seen in their use by sailors at sea. Men who worked in the harbors also used them while working in buildings known as counting houses. Counting house workers where responsible for keeping count of all friendly ships coming into harbor for trading purposes, as well as alerting the town in the event of approaching hostile vessels. This use contributed to the telescope ' s reputation, and subsequent reference, as a - trade telescope. -
The telescope is also widely known for its contribution to the science of astronomy. Its invention helped scientists who studied the heavens discover more phenomena than had been previously possible when viewing the sky without its magnification qualities. The brass telescope was used by the famous astronomer, Galileo, shortly after its introduction to the world of science. Even when he made the journey to Rome in 1611 to defend his discoveries reported in his book, The Starry Messenger, he had counted in his belongings a brass telescope.
In the modern age, other materials have replaced brass as the preferred metal in the construction of telescopes, although many collectors still choose the traditional brass telescopes for use as beach house decor. Even so, the historical significance of the brass telescope will never be replaced. Its importance in the history of defense concepts, astronomy, and navigation has been secured, thanks to it revolutionary design and durability.
