TELEIDOSCOPE VS. KALEIDOSCOPE
Remember at the toy store seeing a kaleidoscope for the first time? Yeah, we do too- but we have another obsession. Historically, antique kaleidoscopes were made in the 19th century and were created by craftsman who were clockmakers, jewelers, machinists, metal smiths and scientific instrument makers (which we find totally fascinating, by the way!).
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE KALEIDOSCOPE
"Thank you Sir David!"
Believe it or not, the kaleidoscope was invented in the year 1816 by Scottish scientist, Sir David Brewster (1781–1868), a mathematician and physicist noted for his various contributions to the field of optics. He patented his invention in 1817 (GB 4136), but thousands of unauthorized imitations were created and sold to the public, which resulted in Brewster receiving little financial benefits from his most famous invention.
Photo of David Brewster, inventor of the Kaleidoscope ~
2021 Warners Group Publications Plc
TYPES OF KALEIDOSCOPES
There are a few types of kaleidoscopes out there. One type is known as a hand-held kaleidoscope, which uses a tube enclosing 2 or more reflective mirrors. The tubes are usually made from turned wood, plastic, paper, glass or polished metal (we love them all!). The entire scope is held in the hand and may be turned as a unit to change the image or the end containing the objects may be designed to turn separately.
WOODEN KALEIDOSCOPE, "Hand Held" by Carol and Mark Reynolds (2021 Kaleidoscopes To You)
Parlor Kaleidoscopes, are crafted to stand on a table and typically have a pedestal base. They can be made from any media or material. We love these because you can view comfortably while seated (which means we can be there all day, lol!) The object case turns by hand or by a mechanical means.
HANDMADE ARTISAN KALEIDOSCOPE, "Wave Parlor" by artist Judith Paul (2021 Kaleidoscopes To You)
Jewelry Kaleidoscopes are made to be worn in the form of personal adornment. For example, a necklace, ring, or even earrings (yes, they exist). One must possess great skill to fashion the working parts to ensure a great image. We admire the skill of these crafters. Usually small gems make up the image and the body is often made of a precious metal. A lens is usually built into the viewing end to magnify the image.
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Sculptural Kaleidoscopes are those whose exterior conforms to sculptural standards. They are often larger kaleidoscopes that may be exhibited on a stand or on the floor or may be used in an outdoor setting. You might recognize at your local museum.
KALEIDOSCOPE JEWELRY, "Teleidoscope" in Silver Annodised Aluminum and Sterling Silver Ends by artists Deborah and Kevin Healy (2021 Kaleidoscopes To You)
Architectural Kaleidoscopes are very large kaleidoscopes and are built into buildings. They usually add a nice ambiance, and allow for many people to view them at the same time.
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Projection Kaleidoscopes are built to project the image to allow for crowds to share in the experience. They can be projected on a screen, around an entire room or on a building’s exteriors (we love these in our night garden too!)
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High Tech Kaleidoscopes include computer driven kaleidoscope images and digital camera technologies, such as what you find here at our studio!
KALEIDOSCOPE PROJECTOR (2020 GeekAlerts)
SO WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO?
A teleidoscope is a type of a kaleidoscope with no object cell - so whatever you point the teleidoscope at is what the image will be! In effect, whatever the kaleidoscope is pointing at becomes the object cell!
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So now you know the difference between the two! Have you ever looked through one of these amazing sights?
7 INCH TELEIDOSCOPE, by J & J Enterprises (2021 Kaleidoscopes To You)
