Wednesday, March 17, 2021
Evolution by subtraction is universal
The latest item at KSHS is a pair of eyeglasses. Astonishingly well preserved.
A missionary who worked with the Pottawatomie tribe in the 1830s owned the glasses, made by a Philadelphia silversmith in 1820.
Note the construction of the hinge and lens clamp, which is EXACTLY the same on modern glasses. 200 years with zero change. Note also a feature that has disappeared: Sliding temples, so you could adjust each side for ear comfort or focus.
As with genes and languages, the original has all the features. Later versions lose complexity and function.
¶ 2:25 PM 
