Contributions of Spina

Although not the original inventor of the eyeglasses, Friar Alessandro Della Spina is often credited for their invention. The Ancient Chronicle of the Dominican Monastery of St. Catherine in Pisa  states: "Eyeglasses, having first been made by someone else, who was unwilling to share them, he [Spina] made them and shared them with everyone with a cheerful and willing heart."  Spina is believed to be a liaison who spread this knowledge to the masses after witnessing the handiwork of the original inventor, who wanted to keep this invention a secret.