/oss/taxonomy/term/3248/all en /oss/article/you-asked/how-are-mirrors-made <p>Imagine the surprise of the first cave person who ever glanced into a reflecting pond. The image probably wasn't too pleasing but the effect was surely intriguing. Vanity was instantly born and the search for better reflective materials was underway. The discovery of metals yielded polished sheets which served well until sometime in the 12th century when it was discovered that glass with a metal backing produced a near perfect image. Craftsmen adept at making mirrors guarded the secrets of their process jealously.</p> Tue, 12 Jun 2018 15:03:14 +0000 Joe Schwarcz PhD 7129 at /oss