![Postcard of Kaleidoscope.](/database/media.php?file=postcard/image/0098/00988305.jpg&PHPSESSID=pjmm850a82v4s20vidiek8jv94) 000-100-102-688-C © National Museums Scotland |
|
Kaleidoscope
This type of polyangular kaleidoscope was designed by David Brewster (1781-1868) and patented by him in 1817. This example was made around 1820 by Robert Brettell Bate (1782-1847), a scientific instrument maker based in London.
The kaleidoscope consists of two coned tubes forming a barrel which can be turned around. It is engraved with the royal crest and 'DR BREWSTER'S PATENT/No 37' and is mounted on tripod stand.
In his optical researches, Brewster stumbled upon the principles of the kaleidoscope. He named it from the Greek: kalos, beautiful, eidos, form; skopein, to view.
Record details
To search on related items, click any linked text below.
Online ID: |
000-100-102-688-C |
Image Rights Holder: |
National Museums Scotland |
Project: |
0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project |
Ref: |
National Museums Scotland T.1936.4 |
Date: |
Around 1820 c. 1820
|
Material: |
Brass. Inscription: Dr. Brewster's Patent with royal crest; No. 37
|
Dimensions: |
11.00" H (on stand) x 5.38" L
|
What: |
Kaleidoscope, Bate's
|
Subject: |
22. PHYSICS, Light (Departmental Classification)
|
Who: |
Dr Brewster (Patentee) R.B. Bate, London (Maker)
|
Where: |
England, London
|
Event: |
|
Description: |
Bate's polyangular kaleidoscope, consisting of two coned tubes forming a barrel, mounted on a tripod stand, marked 'Dr. Brewster's Patent / No 37', by Robert Brettell Bate, London, c. 1820
|
References: |
- For the context, see Morrison-Low, A.D. & Simpson, A.D.C., 'A New Dimension: A Context for Photography before 1860' in Stevenson, Sara Light from the dark room : A celebration of Scottish photography. Edinburgh: National Galleries of Scotland, 1995, pp 14
- For the kaleidoscope, see Morrison-Low, A.D., 'Brewster and Scientific Instruments' in Morrison-Low, A.D. & Christie, J.R.R. (eds). Martyr of Science: Sir David Brewster 1781-1868. Edinburgh: 1984, pp 58-65, 84-6
|
Translations: |
|
Related Records: |
|