1-157-648 - Oxford Science Archive/Heritage Images

Discovery of the principle of the telescope, 17th century (1863). Artist's impression of the supposed chance discovery of the principle of the telescope by children playing in the workshop of the Dutch optician Hans Lippershey (c1570-1619). Lippershey applied for a patent for the telescope in 1608, and word of his invention reached Galileo, who produced a working model in 1609. From Les Grandes Inventions by Louis Figuier. (Paris, 1863).