Information on Kaleidoscopes

The word "kaleidoscope" comes from the Greek and roughly means "to view beautiful forms." Though it was originally invented by the ancient Greeks, it fell out of use, only to be rediscovered centuries later.

History

Scottish physicist Sir David Brewster patented the kaleidoscope in 1817. In the United States, it was the designs of Charles G. Bush that made the kaleidoscope popular, beginning in the 1870s.

Identification

The kaleidoscope is a long cylinder with a box on one end. Inside the kaleidoscope are two reflective surfaces, a diffuser screen and small bits of brightly colored material.

Function

As the box turns on the edge of the kaleidoscope, the colored particles move inside the tube. When light reflects off of the mirrors and hits the diffuser screen, the material can be viewed through the kaleidoscope, creating a colorful geometric design.

Uses

Kaleidoscopes are typically used as toys and collectibles, but they may also be used by people interested in creating geometric designs to gather inspiration.

Types

The colored particles inside kaleidoscopes can be made of glass, plastic, tinsel or wood. The outer casing of kaleidoscopes are commonly constructed from brass, wood, steel, gourds or glass.

References

• Brittanica.com
• Absolute Astronomy on Kaleidoscopes
• Brewster Society on Charles G. Bush