Science: Molded Lenses

German, British and U. S. firms are currently engaged in an active struggle for U. S. sales of the best substitute for glass, in eyeglasses, binoculars, cameras and magnifying glasses, developed since Venetians invented spectacles in the 13th Century. Roehm & Haas Co. makes Plexigum, Plexiglas, Acryloid and Acrysol in Philadelphia; Imperial Chemical Industries, Ltd. sells Diakon and Perspex from its Manhattan office; Du Pont Viscaloid Co. makes Pontalite (TIME, Sept. 21, Dec. 28) and Lucite at Kearny, N. J.

All start with derivatives of coal. All end, by means of different patented...

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