Careful Words

optics (n.)

But optics sharp it needs, I ween,

To see what is not to be seen.

John Trumbull (1750-1831): McFingal. Canto i. Line 67.

As men of inward light are wont

To turn their optics in upon 't.

Samuel Butler (1600-1680): Hudibras. Part iii. Canto i. Line 481.