Kaleidoscope
A kaleidoscope is a cylindrical optical instrument that creates vibrant, symmetrical patterns through the use of mirrors and colorful objects such as beads or glass. The light entering from one end reflects off the mirrors, producing dynamic and beautiful designs. Invented in 1816 by Scottish scientist David Brewster, the kaleidoscope's name derives from Greek words meaning "beautiful form watcher." Brewster is recognized for incorporating polyangular mirrors and light polarization in his designs, although he faced challenges in capitalizing on his invention due to a patent issue.
During the Victorian Era, kaleidoscopes became popular in parlors, with American innovator Charles G. Bush enhancing the design for home use. Over time, kaleidoscopes evolved into toys for children and saw a resurgence as artistic pieces during the Kaleidoscope Renaissance of the 1970s. This period brought innovative designs crafted from materials like glass and ceramics, often inspired by everyday objects. By the twenty-first century, advancements in technology and artistry continued to influence kaleidoscope manufacturing, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal.
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Kaleidoscope
A kaleidoscope is a cylindrical instrument through which a person looks to see colorful patterns. The kaleidoscope contains mirrors that display colorful objects such as beads, glass, or pebbles. A hole on the opposite end lets in light. The light hits the mirrors and colorful objects inside the device to create beautiful patterns. Scottish scientist David Brewster is credited with inventing the kaleidoscope in the early nineteenth century.
Overview
The word kaleidoscope comes from the Greek words kalos, which means "beautiful," eidos, which means "form," and scopos, which means "watcher." Scottish scientist David Brewster, who had studied physical sciences and the properties of light and optics, came up with the idea for a kaleidoscope in 1816. He wrote a few books about the instrument and received a patent for it a year later, but a mistake in the patent prevented him from capitalizing on it.
While others duplicated his idea for the kaleidoscope, Brewster was credited as the first person to use polyangular (multidimensional) mirrors and polarization (the process of transforming light) in his kaleidoscopes. This design was not imitated until the late twentieth century.
During the Victorian Era (1837–1901), a type of kaleidoscope known as a parlor kaleidoscope became popular. American Charles G. Bush created the first kaleidoscope meant to be displayed in the parlor, a sitting room used to entertain guests, of an individual's home. Bush was credited with bringing the kaleidoscope to America. He received patents in 1873 and 1874 to improve the design of the instrument. He put the device on a stand and placed ampoules, sealed sacs filled with colored liquids, on the inside of the kaleidoscope. Bush added a chamber to the end that could be opened and filled with colorful objects to view, and allowed the objects to be replaced. He also designed a wheel that a person could turn to alter the background during viewing.
In the twentieth century, kaleidoscopes became popular as toys for children. These versions were made of cardboard or plastic. Steven Manufacturing Company became one of the most famous distributors of toy kaleidoscopes in the United States. The toy form remained popular throughout the twenty-first century.
A version of the kaleidoscope reminiscent of older models again flourished in the 1970s during what became known as the Kaleidoscope Renaissance. During this time, kaleidoscopes became pieces of art and were made of ceramic, glass, or stone. Artists also made the devices from recycled items such as glass bottles, gourds, scrap metal, and more. They sometimes designed the kaleidoscopes to look like everyday items such as animals, cars, and buildings. In addition, people began to experiment with polarization and polyangular mirror systems made famous by Brewster in the nineteenth century. They also added curved mirrors and other mirror arrangements to alter the scope of the kaleidoscopes.
American Cozy Baker became known for her books about kaleidoscope in the 1980s, and she headed the first kaleidoscope exhibition. She founded the Brewster Kaleidoscope Society, named in honor of the kaleidoscope founder, in 1986. Into the twenty-first century, manufacturers focused on improving the kaleidoscope on the inside by using technological advancements. They also concentrated on the design and artisanship of the objects to make them look like pieces of art.
Bibliography
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Gibbs, Melanie F.F. "How Kaleidoscopes Work." HowStuffWorks Science, 19 Jan. 2012, science.howstuffworks.com/kaleidoscope.htm. Accessed 14 Oct. 2016.
"How to Make a Kaleidoscope." University of Arizona, www.optics.arizona.edu/outreach/community/how-to-make-kaleidoscope. Accessed 14 Oct. 2016.
"Kaleidoscope History." Kaleidoscope On-Line Book, www.thekaleidoscopebook.com/thescopebook/scope-resources/kaleidoscope-history. Accessed 14 Oct. 2016.
"Kaleidoscope U: History." Brewster Kaleidoscope Society, brewstersociety.com/kaleidoscope-university-category/history. Accessed 14 Oct. 2016.
"Kaleidoscopes: Reflections of Mathematics & Art." National University of Singapore, www.math.nus.edu.sg/aslaksen/gem-projects/maa/Kaleidoscopes/kscopes.html. Accessed 14 Oct. 2016.
Shapiro, T. Rees. "A Local Life: Cozy Baker, 86; Outlook of Kaleidoscope Collector Was Transformed by Beauty." Washington Post, 18 Dec. 2010, www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/18/AR2010121802592.html. Accessed 14 Oct. 2016.
Tulloch, Pamela. "Meet the Scot Who Invented the Kaleidoscope Then Vanished from History." STV News, 31 Mar. 2016, stv.tv/news/features/1348359-scot-who-invented-kaleidoscope-then-vanished-from-history-celebrated. Accessed 14 Oct. 2016.