subject: Various Aesthetic And Functional Roles Of Mirrors [print this page] Modern mirrors Perth products are available in many sizes, tints and shapes. They can also be customized to suit the needs of customers. Some are manufactured from toughened glass while others may incorporate hightech electronic components that enable them to change colors, reflective index or transparency.
Despite of the technological advances in the manufacture of mirrors, they still have the simple and fundamental functions as their ancient versions. Mirrors still have the capacity to stimulate the imagination and elicit some sense of awe, especially when artistically integrated in an architectural or interior design.
Even before the invention of silver-coated glass mirrors, these reflective implements served both practical and decorative purposes. From the palaces of kings to the humble shacks of the commoners, mirrors were considered as essential instruments not only for beauty regimens but also for ceremonial functions.
Many myths, legends and superstitions involve mirrors in one form or another. The myth about Narcissus becoming in love with his own reflection is perhaps one of the earliest stories that include a mirror. Well, the surface of a still water can still be technically considered as mirror.
The modern use of mirrors may be almost devoid of supernatural attributions but they are still capable of bringing magic. When it comes to artistically inspired works in the fields of stage performances, photography, interior design and architecture, mirrors aid in achieving the balance between functionality and aesthetics.
The practical use of mirrors, however, goes beyond the boundaries of arts. Mirrors are also important tools in the natural sciences and engineering. Powerful astronomical telescopes, for instance, will not be possible without mirrors. In fact one basic type of telescope, the refractor telescope, is dependent on a special type of mirror in its function. Many other precise scientific instruments have mirrors as their main components such as surveyor's transits and lasers.
Energy generation is another important field that benefits from the use of mirrors. For instance, solar thermal collectors will be very difficult (if not impossible) to construct without the use of mirrors. These energy-generating structures work by using arrays of mirrors to collect and focus the radiant heat from the sun on a boiler. The boiler in turn produce steam that drives a turbine, which then drives a generator.
Mirrors may seem very simple but it is hard to imagine for modern civilization to efficiently function without these simple instruments. From automobile traffic to power generation, from beauty regimens to scientific pursuits, mirrors play very important roles.
