[dr_lew]

Galileo did not invent the telescope. When and where the telescope was invented is not certain, but what is certain is that in 1609 Galileo heard about the new invention and made one for himself. Soon he turned it on the heavens, and it was at that moment that his destiny turned to fame.

He didn't invent THE telescope, but he did invent a telescope of his own design. He states in The Assayer that having heard of such a thing, he was inspired to put his mind to it, but that he wasn't aided by any knowledge of a design. He was quite proud of himself, and bragged about the "perfection" of his instrument, and I believe that his telescopes did exceed any others at the time in magnifying power.

[DesertRhino]

Thats what my understanding of his building of his telescope was too.