Kaleidoscopes. David Brewster. Most noted for his contributions to the field of optics, he studied the double refraction by compression and discovered the photoelastic effect,[1] which gave birth to the field of optical mineralogy.[2] For his work, William Whewell dubbed him the "Father of modern experimental optics" and "the Johannes Kepler of Optics. "[3] He is well-recognized for being the inventor of the kaleidoscope and an improved version of the stereoscope applied to photography.[4] He called it the "lenticular stereoscope", which was the first portable, 3D viewing device.[5] He also invented the binocular camera,[6][7] two types of polarimeters,[8] the polyzonal lens and the lighthouse illuminator.[9] A prominent figure in the popularization of science,[10] he is considered one of the founders of the British Association,[11][12] of which he would be elected President in 1849.[13] In addition, he was the editor of the 18-volume Edinburgh Encyclopedia.
Early life[edit] Career[edit] Work on optics[edit] Family[edit] Sir David Brewster. Sir David Brewster (1781-1868) - Online stuff. Sir David Brewster (1781-1868) Reflective symmetry has been observed since ancient times. Legend claims that early Egyptians would place two or three slabs of highly polished limestone together at different angles and watch with fascination as mandalas were formed by human dancers. It was not until centuries later, however, that this optical phenomenon was encased in one small tube and given a name. The kaleidoscope was invented in 1816 by Sir David Brewster. He was a man with as many facets as his invention. Whether delving into scientific research, religion, philosophy, education, optics, photography, writing, inventions, or life on other planets, Sir David pursued each endeavor with incredible energy.
David Brewster was born in Jedburgh, an obscure country town in the midst of the Scottish lowlands, on December 11, 1781. He was recognized as a child prodigy, and constructed a telescope when only ten years old. Brewster's treatise did not represent his only accomplishments during this period. The History of the Kaleidoscope and David Brewster. In 1816, the kaleidoscope was invented by Scottish scientist, Sir David Brewster, and patented by him in 1817 (GB 4136).
David Brewster named his invention after the Greek words, kalos or beautiful, eidos or form, and scopos or watcher. So kaleidoscope means the beautiful form watcher. Brewster's kaleidoscope was a tube containing loose pieces of colored glass and other pretty objects, reflected by mirrors or glass lenses set at angles, that created patterns when viewed through the end of the tube.
How to Make a Kaleidoscope Later in the early 1870’s, an American called Charles Bush improved upon the kaleidoscope and started the kaleidoscope fad. Charles Bush was granted patents in 1873 amd 1874 related to improvements in kaleidoscopes, kaleidoscope boxes, objects for kaleidoscopes (US 143,271), and kaleidoscope stands.
Charles Bush was the first person to mass manufacturer his "parlor" kaleidoscope in America. How They Work. Build your own kaleidoscope :: zefrank. Kaleidoscope. A woman looks into a large kaleidoscope in San Diego View inside a Kaleidoscope. Design[edit] A toy kaleidoscope tube A Kaleidoscope operates on the principle of multiple reflection, where several mirrors are placed at an angle to one another, (usually 60°). Modern kaleidoscopes are made of brass tubes, stained glass, wood, steel, gourds or almost any material an artist can use.
History[edit] Patterns as seen through a kaleidoscope tube Sir David Brewstaner began work leading towards invention of the kaleidoscope in 1815 when he was conducting experiments on light polarization[1] but it was not patented until two years later.[6] His initial design was a tube with pairs of mirrors at one end, pairs of translucent disks at the other, and beads between the two. Publications[edit] Cozy Baker (d. Industry[edit] Most kaleidoscopes are mass-produced from inexpensive materials, and intended as children's toys. See also[edit] References[edit] ^ Jump up to: a b c Brewster, David (1858). Kaleidoscope toys: Amazon.co.uk: Toys & Games.
Miniature Classic Glass Kaleidoscope Toy With Wand BNIP. Toy Manufacturer in Glenrothes (UK) - The Kaleidoscope Company. The Kaleidoscope Company, produces high quality handmade kaleidoscopes from its workshop based in Fife, Scotland. The Kaleidoscope Company is family run and the only Company in the UK who specialise in the manufacture of Kaleidoscopes. The Kaleidoscope was invented in Scotland in 1816 by Sir David Brewster, who was knighted in 1832 and eventually became the Principal of The University of St Andrews.
Brewster’s invention was named after the Greek words 'caolx' (beautiful), 'eidox' (a form), and 'scopew' (to see). In its 192 year history, the Kaleidoscope has continued to amaze both young and old. The principals behind the Kaleidoscope are simple – light reflects colour in a symmetrical pattern using mirrors to create unique patterns that are rarely repeated. The timeless qualities of the kaleidoscope have endured for centuries. With its elegance and simplicity, the Kaleidoscope makes the perfect gift. Buyers Memberships FSB - Federation of Small Businesses.