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Some reflections on the mirror
(by Gene Newman - November 05, 2008)
The word “mirror” comes from the same Latin root word as “miracle” which shows what our ancient ancestors must have thought of these marvels that produce instant images faster than our modern day digital cameras.
Of course the ancients would have been catching glimpses of themselves at their watering holes, but trying to adjust your fig leaves while looking into a river or even into a bowl of water must have been awkward, so they found a way to polish smooth stones like obsidian to come up with a reasonably clear reflection. That was about 8,000 years ago.
Over the centuries the technology was improved by using polished bronze and silver plates, but only hand mirrors were available until the1st century A.D. which brought the introduction of full body mirrors. This might have been the same time that the forerunner of Weight Watchers was founded.
However, metallic mirrors were expensive and, like us, prone to corrosion. Then around 1200 A.D. mirrors of glass with metallic backing were invented and eventually perfected by the Venetians whose techniques were later stolen by the French and English. Mass production followed and “looking glasses” became common household items.
Mirrors have been put to many uses other than that of personal inspection. There are heliographs and other mirrored signaling devices, periscopes and rear-view mirrors. Precision mirrors are at the hearts of reflector telescopes including the famous space-based Hubble. Wikipedia reports on a unique application in Italy where a huge computerized mirror is used to reflect sunlight into a mountain village that, for centuries, has been in complete shadow for seven weeks of every winter.
In 211 B.C. Archimedes, the Greek mathematician and inventor, is reputed to have used a battery of bronze mirrors to focus sunlight to burn Roman ships that were attacking the city of Syracuse in Sicily, but alas, the Romans prevailed and killed Archimedes.
There have been experiments to determine which inhabitants of the animal kingdom understand the nature of mirrors. Asian elephants are at the top of the list. They always recognize themselves in mirrors as do chimpanzees, some other apes, dolphins, pigs, magpies and llamas. My dog, Phoebe, has no idea what a mirror is about, but I consider that no reflection on her. Personally, I think I should be removed from the list. That old, wrinkled guy that I've been seeing in the mirror every morning can't possibly be me.
Gene Newman is a resident of Parsippany.
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