The Kaleidoscope was invented by the Scottish physicist David Brewster (1781-1868). His scientific work centered around the properties of light; he never fully accepted the wave theory of light, although he admired the way in which it explained many phenomena of optics. In 1816-7 he developed the Kaleidoscope, whose name is based on the Greek root kalos, meaning beautiful, and in 1819 he published "A Treatise on the Kaleidoscope." The little instrument became a fad and could not be manufactured fast enough to satisfy public demand. Interest in the kaleidoscope has remained high to this day, both among children and adults.    The basic Kaleidoscope has two mirrors inclined at an angle of sixty degrees to each other. This produces five virtual images, each sixty degrees wide.     This Kaleidoscope in the Garland Collection of Classic Physics apparatus at Vanderbilt University is by Duboscq, and cost 130 francs (about $25) when it was purchased ca. 1875.

   The Kaleidoscope at the right, below is marked "G.G. Bush, Claremont, N.H., Pat. Nov. 11, 1873". This particular device is at the collection of historical instruments at Harvard University. It has a barrel ten inches long and is fourteen inches tall. At the left, below, is an unmounted Bush Kaleidoscope at St. Mary's College in Notre Dame, Indiana. In 1881 E. S. Ritchie of Boston sold the instrument for $2.50.

This unmarked kaleidoscope has lost its base. The overall shape of the barrel suggests that it was made by Bush.    It is in the physics collection at Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania.

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