A CONTRIBUTION TO THE HISTORY OF SPECTACLES IN CROATIA

The earliest data on spectacles in Croatia originate from the 14th cen tury. Inventories of personal belongings and valuables of distinguishe d individuals testify about the existence of spectacles from the 14th century onward. Pictorial representations of spectacles and spectacle cases are found in Croatia in various forms: as a watermark in a 14th century paper, on a silver altar-piece from 1477, on paintings, fresco es and wood-cuts from the 15th century onward. A pair of 16th century spectacles are kept in Split (Poljud) and a selection of 18th to 20th century spectacles are on display in various museums in Croatia. In 17 th century literature the effect of lenses on ametropia is discussed a nd Latin and Croatian terms for spectacles and opticians are mentioned .