About Us
Opticalia Museum and Opticalia Antiques are owned by David M. Spatz and Ms. Teresa A. Haag. The company is managed and operated by Dr. Spatz, who, after a long career as an exploration geologist, turned his attention to a life-long interest in studying and collecting artifacts of science. He holds three university science degrees from American Universities, his doctoral research funded by NASA.
Dr. Spatz has extensive practical experience with microscopes, spectrometers, compasses, mountain barometers, precision scales, analytical devices, surveying instruments, satellite phones, geophysical instrumentation and other instruments of science both antique and modern. A pilot, he is familiar with principles of navigation and the instruments used by ancient navigators. These life-long experiences have given him a rich personal history in which to study, collect, restore, curate, buy, trade, and sell antiques of science and technology. Dr Spatz serves the Museum as procurer, restorer, researcher, curator, writer and photographer.
The Opticalia collection includes over 1200 items, encompassing 13 major categories as well as fine minerals, fossils and books of antiquity. The Opticalia Museum web site presents both a catalogue of antiques as well as an educational opportunity. The company maintains an interlinked on-line Museum, Historical Reference and Catalogue-Museum Shop. A definitive guide to instruments of science and technology with over 400 pages and dozens of photos and illustrations is in preparation for sale from this web site from late-2010.
Our website was designed by Ms Monica S. Fason, who also assisted with the overall concept and continues to advise us in matters of marketing, networking and on-line links to sites with compatable interests or to provide our visitors with broader or more specialized sources of information to continue their research.