Reviewers’ Opinions of this Work.
“The information which this little book contains is really very good and very applicable to the instruction both of the short-sighted, who never reflect before they buy, and of the very long-sighted, who, from excess of cunning in the search of great bargains, are, like our friend Moses in the Vicar of Wakefield, open to very gross impositions in the matter of spectacles and their very chagrin cases. Those who are not opticians or oculists will do well to read the book before they commit themselves in the purchase of glasses either from itinerant or stationary quacks. But this is not all: though a simple monograph of the frauds of one trade, the book may be generalized into “a manual of the whole art of puffing,” and an exposure of the silly credulity of the public in all its branches. Mr. Cox also discloses some of the machinery of newspaper puffing in a way which almost tempts us to claim it as “our thunder,” it is so much in unison with our published opinions on the subject.”
Athenæum.
“In this well-written work Mr. Cox has given a popular description of the eye, and the adaptation of spectacles to correct constitutional defects or organic disease: by attention to a few simple rules which he lays down, any one may effectually fortify himself against the artful representations of dishonest dealers in spectacles “made to sell.” The public is indebted to Mr. Cox for having exposed the tricks of the insidious marauders in several towns in which they were practising their impositions, and his tract contains some correspondence between him and several eminent surgeons, from which it appears that they had been represented as vouching for pretended improvements in spectacles, of which they either knew nothing at all, or with regard to which they themselves had been deceived by the fraudulent pretenders.”
Christian Advocate.
“This is a useful little work, treating on a subject of universal importance—namely, defining the laws by which deficiency of sight can be assisted, founded on scientific principles, and aided by extensive observation in a long practice; we would recommend a perusal of the pamphlet to such as are about to seek the aid of the maker of spectacles.”
Morning Advertiser.
“This little brochure is correct, ingenious, and useful: moreover, it is valuable as exposing the gross ignorance, impostures, and frauds of Jews, pedlars, and other locomotive quacks. The humbug of amber spectacles, coloured pebbles, clarified crystals, &c., is here thoroughly exploded. Altogether the information in this pamphlet is well deserving of attention.”
Aldine Magazine.
“An amusing exposure of the puffing and swindling systems pursued by some self-styled opticians, from which besides may be gathered a good deal of sound, practical information.”
Era.
“If every body’s sight were impaired, we should strongly hope that this little treatise would become universally known; but as we have reason to believe there are some people in the world who can see a little, we shall only address ourselves to the former, to whom we can confidently recommend the perusal of this talented work. Besides a great deal of necessary and sound information on the use and nature of spectacles, we find a number of exposés of the tricks pursued by many unprincipled persons styling themselves opticians, which is put forth by the author in a very distinct manner.”
Blackwood’s Lady’s Magazine.