ka-lei'do-scope n.
an instrument that is rotated to reflect the constantly changing patterns made by bits of colored glass and reflecting surfaces so arranged that changes of position exhibits its contents in an endless variety of beautiful colors and symmetrical forms.

Kaleidoscopes were invented in 1816 by David Brewster a Scottish inventor. David Brewster actually did not see much in way of financial success from this invention as other inventors were aggressive in mass producing this new art form. He stumbled upon it through experimentation with prisms and other optical tools. He created a tube-like instrument that contained loose pieces of glass and other objects that were reflected by mirrors and/or lenses set at different angles to create various symmetrical patterns when viewed through one end of the tube. Brewster's term for this new instrument, "kaleidoscope," came from the Greek words meaning, "beautiful-form-to see."

Much like the telescope, the idea emerged from the ability to see outer space forms of matter that the human eye alone cant see naturally unless looked through a tube-like instrument that takes nature beyond its existence.

Since the 1870's, the kaleidoscope has become a treasured object to collect. The variety of types is unlimited, so the collector can always add to his or her collection.

Later in the early 1870's, an American called Charles Bush (1825-1900) improved upon the kaleidoscope and started the kaleidoscope fad. Charles Bush was granted patents in 1873 - 1874 related to improvements in kaleidoscopes, kaleidoscope boxes, objects for kaleidoscopes, and kaleidoscope stands. Bush was the first person to mass manufacturer his "parlor" kaleidoscope in America.

Kaleidoscopes became very popular during the Victorian age as a parlor diversion. Charles Bush was a very popular United States maker during the 1870s for his parlor kaleidoscope. He patent his idea in 1873 and to this day collectors search for this particular kaleidoscope. These were made with a round base and a rarer 4 footed version.

Many of the baby boomers remember receiving a toy kaleidoscope as a kid. It was not until the late 1970s that a renaissance in Kaleidoscope artistry began. In 1980 a first exhibition of kaleidoscopes helped fuel the interest in kaleidoscopes as an art form.

Today there are 100's of great kaleidoscope artists and kaleidoscope makers.

Kaleidoscopes are works of art. Just like a Rembrandt or a Picasso painting, the Kaleidoscope adds taste and decor to anybody's home or office. Like anything of value, the kaleidoscope can appreciate in value if the owner takes proper care of it.

The kaleidoscope can be a tool or resource for relaxation and meditation. One's mind can be put into an imaginary world while looking through the scope. Some doctors and psychiatrists have been known to let their patients use a scope to calm and relax themselves. The kaleidoscope can relieve tension or stress.

It can give the imagination a great and wonderful work-out.

EXTERNAL LINKS:
• Kaleidoscope History
• How to Build a Kaleidoscope
• The Brewster Kaleidoscope Society