The origins of eyeglasses can be traced back to 1000 A. D. with the invention of the reading stone, which is known today as the magnifying glass. Reading glasses originally appeared in Italy in the 1260’s. Early eyeglasses consisted of only lenses and a nose bridge. Hundreds of years passed before the development of the modern sidepieces that rest just above the ears. Public opinion regarding when eyeglasses should be worn varied by country in those days. Spaniards embraced the invention, and felt that wearing spectacles added an air of dignity, while the French and English felt that eyeglasses should be worn only in private. The Museum has a large collection of eyeglasses from varying decades.