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"Imported in the last Ships from London, and sold by William Price, at the Corner Shop, next to the Old Brick Meeting-House, and near the Town-House, Boston. ? best steel Temple and Nose Spectacles, ?" (Boston News-Letter, May 24, 1750) <BR>Before 1730, spectacles did not have sidepieces that rested upon the ears. Rather, they sat on the nose, which is why the advertisement is selling both "Temple" (those with sidepieces) and "Nose" (those without) spectacles. The sidepieces on these spectacles are typical of the period, with large loops at the ends. The large eye rims and extensions are also very characteristic of eighteenth century spectacles. Most spectacles in the eighteenth century were reading glasses. They were not made for the individual person. Today, the same thing is true for the reading glasses people can by at the drug store.

 

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