Geology Question: Isinglass?

[VanillaCapuccino]

I'm trying to find information about isinglass, as in isinglass curtains used in old-time carriages. The curtains were made from sheets of Mica, and Mica was also used in lanterns and stove doors. Can anyone give me references for the use of Mica, especially in history?

Thanks!

 

[VanillaCapuccino]

Thanks, Andre! Those links were helpful. I'm still wondering, though, who it might have been that first used mica as "window glass." It reminds me of the phrase from scripture, "looking through a glass darkly." Hope to find something on the history.

 

[river-wind]

mica windows seems to have used since at least back to the Romans:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/classic/A682571


scroll down halfway to "Antiquity"




Andre: hey I've been to Ruggle's Mine!!!

 

[wet1]

Mica fasinated me since I first laid hands on a sample during class. It was not mentioned as being the first glass. It does make sense though. The thickness of the mica being used would be easy to do by peeling of the layers as needed.