Russian Optics - Early History
Optics as a science originated in the ancient world. Scientists observing light noticed an interesting phenomenon - it diffracts when passing through water, ice, or precious stones. After this, the first instruments for optical research emerged. In 300 BC the ancient mathematician Euclid wrote a paper on the rectilinear propagation of light and laws of reflection.
Dozens of scientists from various countries contributed to the development of optics. The achievements of modern optics are based upon the discoveries of the ancient astronomer Cleomedes; Arab doctor and scientist of the 11 century Alhazen; Italian mathematician of the 16 century Francesco Maurolico; French mathematician and physicist of the 17 century Rene Descartes; Dutch inventor of the 17 century Christiaan Huygens; English scientist of the 17th–18th centuries Isaac Newton; and a number of other outstanding personalities.
Russian scientists joined in the development of optical science later, which is explained by the absence of technical conditions for discoveries in this sphere: for a long time there was no domestic lens production, and optical equipment was imported from abroad when it was required.
Domestic research and development in the sphere of optics is directly related to rule of Peter the Great (Peter I). Thanks to the Tsar's reforms, the country received glasses for vision improvement and domestically produced optical devices for the needs of the army and fleet. The forward-looking monarch realized that a strong country had to provide itself with strategic technical innovations, therefore optical production was established in Russia. It was Moscow (before the capital was moved to Petersburg) where an optical workshop was established under the supervision of Peter I, and it specialized in the production of spyglasses for military purposes.
The history of the Russian optical business is closely connected with leading scientists from various countries of Europe. In the time of Peter I, unique conditions were created to let foreign researchers work in Russia and transmit their invaluable experience to Russian colleagues. Intellectual collaboration between Russian and European scientists began in the 18 century and has been developing to this very day.
The first Russian scientist who significantly contributed to the development of the world of optical science was Mikhail Lomonosov. In the 1740s, Mikhail Lomonosov made a number of great discoveries that gave Russian science priority in various important spheres. It was he who recommended the use of colored glass (photo filters) to produce a high-contrast image, developed an original method for the production of ultra-thin mirrors by means of polishing glass surfaces, and discovered a formula and developed a method for melting optical glass and smelting alloys for metal mirrors. In 1752, Lomonosov wrote his famous "Letter on the Use of Glass."
In the 19th century, Russian scientists continued studying the nature of optical phenomena, e. g. Nikolai Lobachevsky - the famous Russian mathematician and Professor of Kazan University - devoted a lot of time to such research work. However, Russian scientists paid less attention to practical issues, since the need for optical instruments was generally covered by importation. In Europe, it was a time when glass and optical instruments made by the large Carl Zeiss company were very popular, and it was Germany that became Russia's primary supplier in the sphere of optics. Gradually, the development of capitalism and industrial growth created the preconditions for the emergence of Russian domestic optical production.
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