Kaleidoscope history

Sir David Brewster is often credited with the invention of the kaleidoscope, but kaleidoscope history reveals that Charles G. Bush and Cozy Baker also were influential individuals.

Here's a closer look at how these individuals impacted kaleidoscope history.

Sir David Brewster: The inventor
As a child prodigy, Brewster was always interested in optics and the physics of light. According to kaleidoscope history, Brewster invented the kaleidoscope in 1816, at the age of 35. While this invention was met with great enthusiasm, kaleidoscope history reveals that he never benefited financially due to an error with his patent registration.

Charles G. Bush creates the parlor kaleidoscope
By the Victorian age, kaleidoscopes were being manufactured all over Europe. However, kaleidoscope history indicates that it wasn't until the late 1800's that they finally made their debut in America.

According to kaleidoscope history, it appears America was first introduced to Charles G. Bush's parlor scope. It was revolutionary because it features a stationary base that doesn't require the viewer to hold it. Instead, the viewer simply looks through the scope while it remains on the base and uses a single hand to rotate the object cell.

Bush's popular variety of parlor kaleidoscopes with the barrel of banded black hardboards and a spoked brass wheels with rotating object cells have become valued collector's items.

Founder of the Brewster Kaleidoscope Society
In 1986, Cozy Baker made kaleidoscope history by founding the Brewster Kaleidoscope Society. Long before she founded the society, she also made kaleidoscope history by writing the first book in the world on kaleidoscopes and organizing the first exhibit.

The society has brought together kaleidoscope artists, retailers, and collectors as well as serving as a central location for important writings and publishing on kaleidoscopes. Perhaps the greatest contribution Baker made to collectors was to convert her home into a museum for members.