Nathaniel Olds by Jeptha Homer Wade, 1839. The green-tinted spectacles worn by Olds were designed to protect the eyes from the intensity of Argand lamps, a type of indoor light used during the early 1800s. These lamps burned whale oil, and many people worried that its bright flames might damage eyesight.

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Size: 3567px × 4520px
Photo credit: © Niday Picture Library / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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