Which mechanism enabled 11th-century scholars, such as Ibn al-Haytham, to improve lens grinding for optics?

💡 Explanation

Polishing lenses historically involved carefully controlled abrasive wear because repeated rubbing with progressively finer grits smoothed the glass surface, correcting its shape. Therefore, controlled abrasive wear explains lens improvements rather than electrolytic, ultrasonic, or vapor deposition methods unavailable at the time.

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