 000-100-102-688-C © National Museums Scotland |
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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
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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
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Material: |
Brass. Inscription: Dr. Brewster's Patent with royal crest; No. 37
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Dimensions: |
11.00" H (on stand) x 5.38" L
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What: |
Kaleidoscope, Bate's
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Subject: |
22. PHYSICS, Light (Departmental Classification)
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Who: |
Dr Brewster (Patentee) R.B. Bate, London (Maker)
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Where: |
England, London
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Event: |
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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
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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
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