picture link here
I was listening to Melvyn Bragg's In Our Time discussion programme on Radio 4 this morning talking about the History of Optics. I am struck by the way someone like Newton would invent a reflecting telescope which would then be made by instrument maker's to satisfy the demand from other scientists and the gentry. There was a market for these new technologies and people would take the time to learn how to use them, show them to friends and so drive the expansion of the demand.. early Word of Mouth in operation. Listen to the programme to get a feel for this early technology market in action.
Comments