Jacob (Jacobus; sometimes James) Metius (after 1571–1628) was a Dutch instrument-maker and a specialist in grinding lenses.
[3] In October 1608, the States General discussed Jacob Metius's patent application for a device for "seeing faraway things as though nearby", consisting of a convex and concave lens in a tube, and the combination magnified three or four times.
Metius informed the States General that he was familiar with the secrets of glassmaking and that he could make an even better telescope with the government's support.
The States General voted him a small award, although it ended up employing Lippershey to make binocular versions of the telescope.
Metius is described as feeling rebuffed by the States General, withdrawing his patent, and not allowing anyone to see his telescope.