The trilobite lenses are doublets. Doublets can in principle eliminate spherical aberration at one color only. A good modern lens will have three or more elements, made from glasses with different dependences of refractive index on wavelength, so as to be apochromatic - having no spherical aberration at any wavelength. While it is interesting that trilobites (and several later species) evolved the first step in building a achromatic lens, human technology was well past this stage by 1930.
People ought to be careful about superlatives, particularly when they're talking about stuff outside their field. Any amateur astronomer knows enough about lenses to be able to contradict Eldridge's statement, assuming he made it.
And there's no excuse for McIntosh; he should know enough to consult the primary literature, and not rely on websites, particularly those with a point of view.
While it is interesting that trilobites (and several later species) evolved the first step in building a achromatic lens, human technology was well past this stage by 1930.At least you found it "interesting." :)
I have to run, Prof. Thanks for the information and discussion.
Enjoy the Memorial Day holiday - I'm off to the desert.
Doublets can in principle eliminate spherical aberration at one color only. I assume you meant "chromatic" aberration, not "spherical," as that's what achromatic (doublet) lenses do....
;-)