First magnifying glass
- Who
- Unknown
- What
- First
- Where
- United Kingdom (Oxford,)
- When
- 30 April 2003
The magnifying glass was invented by the Franciscan friar and scholar Roger Bacon (UK) (c. 1214-1292) in Oxford, UK. The first mention of its use was in 1268.
He adapted its use as primitive spectacles, allowing scholars with failing eyesight to continue their work.