Pretty sure it predates even that. Some of the earliest lenses, especially before the ability to grind glass accurately, were water based. > Pliny the Elder (2

Pretty sure it predates even that. Some of the earliest lenses, especially before the ability to grind glass accurately, were water based. > Pliny the Elder (23-79AD) describes how glass balls filled with water could set clothes on fire when placed in line with the sun. Both Pliny and Seneca the Younger (3 BC-65 AD) also describe the magnifying effect of a glass globe filled with water.