GEORGE W. WELLS

Inventive Genius that Led to Modern Ophthalmic Services

 

Taken from the Optical Journal-Review, June 15, 1933

 

Like H. G. Wells, whose Outline of History bridges time for us, George W. Wells stands as a bridge over which the optical march of progress strode to establish new landmarks. His coming marks a splice between the old and the new in optical manufacturing.

A new forward impetus resulted from the manufacturing methods George W. Wells introduced and which made inevitable the important inventions that followed. His genius first evidenced itself in the discovery of a new method for edging split bifocal lenses. This he followed with the invention of “Eccentric Rolls” to taper stock for temples - work to which the men previously referred as “no child’s play.”

His active mind kept the clock of progress ticking sharply. George W. Wells invented in rapid succession the first lens cutting machine ... the first apparatus for peening end pieces ... the first machine for automatic milling and tapping of spectacle end pieces ... the first machine for jumping and forming spectacle bridges - and many other notable optical achievements.

Above all, the ingenuity of George W. Wells was exerted to point the way for others. Through his influence, one of the outstanding accomplishments of the American Optical Company has been its contribution to optical science in the form of delicate machinery, and accurate instruments.

 

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