Many poetic notions are brought to mind by the image of a sea captain, as rough and solid as the ship he commands, standing on its deck. As the salty waves crash around the bow, he peers into the distance through the eyepiece of his brass telescope, searching perhaps for the land he needs to make safe harbor. Even though many have this image when it comes to the brass telescope, it has in fact been used in many different areas in the history of human development. It has also played a key role in charting the heavens, navigating and mapping the globe, and aiding in the defense of territories. It all began a little over 400 years ago in the Netherlands.

In 1608, the brass telescope made its first appearance. Although it is not completely clear as to the first person to actually invent it, many experts track its origins back to three different individuals. Sacharias Jansen, although never awarded a patent, is often regarded as the man who first crafted the telescope's initial design. Jacob Metius was bestowed with this honor. Shortly after Metius was given the patent, Hans Lippershey also applied for a patent on the brass telescope. Although Lippershey never received the patent, he was paid by the Dutch government for his ideas on the design.

Brass Telescope - Seeing The World Through New Eyes

Brass was the initial material of choice in the construction of telescopes, due to its sturdy characteristics. 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. It does not give way to corrosion like the other metals which were in use during that time period, such as iron or lead.

Exploring The Brass Telescope Hobby

The use of brass telescopes was not only of importance to seafarers. The people who worked in counting houses, which were on shore in the harbors, also made use of them. These men were responsible for the tracking of the ships which were approaching the harbor, not only to keep track of friendly ships, but also to keep a look out for hostile entities. This use contributed to the telescope's reputation, and subsequent reference, as a "trade telescope."

How I Left My Wife For A Brass Telescope

The telescope has had a major impact in the charting of the stars as well. Its use to magnify the stars has helped to better chart the constellations, as well as make new discoveries which were invisible to the naked eye. One of the first astronomers in history to use the brass telescope was Galileo. 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. However, the brass telescope's position in history could never be replaced. Its place in the history of navigation, astronomy, and defense is securely fixed, thanks to its overall durability and multitude of uses.