A Monograph In Seven Plates
Reverse Binoculars
— for examining things uncomfortably close
Plate II
Abstract
The Reverse Binoculars (Cat. MAI–009) depart from the long Galilean tradition of magnifying the distant, electing instead to amplify that which is already, perhaps regrettably, near¹⁵. Hand-ground prisms of inverted parity are paired with twin objectives angled inward, producing an image of the user's own face at an apparent remove of 9 mm. Prolonged use is not recommended without supervision.
- 1.Okonkwo, A. On Looking Too Closely. Journal of Inverted Optics, Vol. II (2019), pp. 18–55.
- 2.Galileo, G. — pointedly disregarded throughout.
- 3.Okonkwo, A. A Manual of Uncomfortable Proximity. Lagos, 2020.
Plate III
Animated Blueprint
Hover the gold markers to reveal annotations. Lines self-inscribe upon entry to the gallery.
Plate IV
Patent Documentation
Reproduction of the original USPTO filing, with examiner's flourish preserved in oxblood ink.
United States Patent Office
US 11,011,884 B2
Seal
Inventor
Adaeze Okonkwo
Filed
Nov. 28, 2017
Granted
May 18, 2021
Classification
Sensory Misfires
Abstract
An optical instrument that renders the proximate disturbingly proximal.
Claims
- 01.An optical viewing apparatus comprising a pair of objective lenses oriented inwardly such that the optical axes converge upon a region forward of the user's brow.
- 02.The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one inversion prism producing an apparent focal distance not exceeding 12 mm.
- 03.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is incapable, by design, of resolving any object more distant than the user's own face.
- 04.The apparatus of claim 1, supplied with a written advisory regarding extended use.
Examiner's Endorsement
Hon. C. Ravensbrook, USPTO
Folio · MAI–009
Plate V
Demonstration Reel
Salvaged from the inventor's archive; restored at 24 frames per second by the Conservator's Office.
Plate VI
Technical Specifications
Plate VII
Critical Reception
I have seen myself in a way that no Galilean instrument could have permitted.
Dr. Adaeze Okonkwo
Atelier Okonkwo, Lagos
I now own three. I use none.
Mr. Inigo Pell
Subscriber, Vol. VIII
A masterclass in uncomfortable optics.
Prof. Hilbert van Houten
Chair of Inverted Sciences, T.U. Delft
Colophon
This monograph was set in Cormorant Garamond and JetBrains Mono and printed on bone-toned stock by the Curatorial Trust, MMXXIV.