Abstract

PERALTA RODRIGUEZ, José Roberto. Eyeglasses and their Availability in Mexico City during the Porfiriato. Relac. Estud. hist. soc. [online]. 2020, vol.41, n.163, pp.82-96.  Epub June 18, 2021. ISSN 2448-7554.  https://doi.org/10.24901/rehs.v41i163.609.

The objective of this study was to analyze the role of prescribers of eyeglasses in 19th- and 20th-century Mexico City, their origins, and how they attended the city’s residents. It addresses little-studied aspects of this visual aid resource like the diversity of models, their origins, and availability. The personnel devoted to this trade were “opticians” of foreign nationality who received clients in independent physical spaces, some for only short periods. The variety of ophthalmic spectacles available was limited, and their characteristics show mostly ordinary types with few more refined prescriptions. In addition, limited models of dark lenses were offered in public establishments called “haberdasheries”. Another type was protective eyewear, but all were of foreign origin. The use of glasses was limited to people who required excellent visual acuity and protection to carry out their activities and had the economic capacity to purchase them.

Keywords : Eyeglasses; optics; lenses; Porfiriato; 19^th-20^th centuries.