A spyglass is a small, portable, handheld telescope that was used for nautical and terrestrial observation. They were commonly made of brass and had a magnification of around 3x to 10x. Spyglasses were first invented in the early 17th century and were quickly adopted by sailors and explorers. They were used to scan the horizon for ships, land, and other objects. Spyglasses were also used for hunting and for military purposes. The name "spyglass" comes from the fact that they were often used for spying on enemy ships and positions. Spyglasses were eventually replaced by binoculars and other optical devices, but they are still used today by some sailors and enthusiasts.
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