Kaleidoscope
Becoming a kaleidoscope expertIf you are serious about becoming a kaleidoscope collector, there are few things you need to know. Armed with some basic knowledge, you can develop an impressive collection.
The inventor of the kaleidoscope
While kaleidoscopic images have been around for centuries, Sir David Brewster is generally credited with the invention of the kaleidoscope. Although he patented and manufactured his design, he never truly benefited from it financially.
His version is still produced today by various manufacturers, including Ruthven, Carpenter, and Bancks and is a classic in many collections.
Popular mirror configurations
Basically, the number of mirrors used indicates the type of configuration in the kaleidoscope. The two most popular ones are 2-mirror and 3-mirror systems. The difference between the two is simply one mirror.
In a kaleidoscope with a 2-mirror system, there are only two mirrors at the triangular vertex. A non-reflective material makes up the remaining side of the kaleidoscope's triangle. You've probably figured out that in a kaleidoscope with a 3-mirror system, the third component of the triangular vertex is a mirror. With this type of mirror configuration, the kaleidoscope creates a continuous reflecting pattern.
Common types
Once you starting collecting, you will inevitably come across a variety of styles. Here are just a few common ones that you will likely encounter.
A hand-held kaleidoscope: Perhaps the most common type is the hand-held kaleidoscope. This type of kaleidoscope requires that it be held in order for the viewer look through it.
A wand kaleidoscope: This type of kaleidoscope is different than others because the object cell is a liquid-filled wand. As the kaleidoscope is rotated, the objects and materials in the test-tube looking wand float in different directions.
A parlor kaleidoscope: A stationary base differentiates the parlor kaleidoscope from the hand-held one. It sits on the stand and enables the viewer to look through the scope and rotate the object cell without having to hold it.