A kaleidoscope is a tube with mirrors inside.
A kaleidoscope is a tube that has several mirrors inside, which are inclined. At one end of the kaleidoscope there are two sheets of glass : between them, different irregular objects of different colors . By turning the tube over and observing through the opposite end, the images of these objects between the glass sheets are multiplied symmetrically .
Before moving forward with the definition of the term, it is necessary to proceed to know its etymological origin. In this case, it must be established that it comes from Greek and is the result of the sum of three components of said language:
- The word kálos , which is synonymous with “beautiful” .
- The noun eidos , which can be translated as “image” .
- The word skopein , which is equivalent to “see.”
Characteristics of a kaleidoscope
Kaleidoscopes usually contain three mirrors , arranged as a triangular-shaped prism that reflects towards the internal sector. According to the angular arrangement of the mirrors, more or fewer images of the objects that are located between the translucent glass sheets are multiplied. If the mirrors are placed at 45º to each other, when the person looks through the end of the kaleidoscope they will find eight images that are duplicated.
The presence of fewer or more mirrors inside the tube modifies the visual effects that the kaleidoscope can produce. Since this device was created in 1816 by the Scottish scientist David Brewster (born in 1781 and died in 1868 ), it became a very popular toy throughout the planet.
Kaleidoscopes offer attractive visual effects.
Other information of interest
In addition to everything stated above, we cannot ignore other information of interest such as the following:
- One of the types of kaleidoscopes is the so-called teleidoscope . Instead of having a sheet, it comes with a translucent magnifying lens. What it does is create images by multiplying the set of elements that are outside in the mirrors.
- When its creator patented it, it became a hugely successful toy. However, since it was so easy to do it, there were many competitors that came out. Numerous businessmen began to make it and put it on sale in a short time.
- To make a kaleidoscope at home you need to have cardboard tubes, mirrors or CDs that are no longer used, cardboard and acetate circles, glue, decorative paper, colored beads and adhesive tape.
More uses of the term kaleidoscope
In a symbolic sense, the idea of kaleidoscope - which can also be mentioned as kaleidoscope - is used to name a set made up of heterogeneous and variable elements . For example: “Our theater offers a musical kaleidoscope to the neighbors,” “The writer presents a kaleidoscope of extreme experiences in his new book of chronicles,” “The coach designed a kaleidoscope of strategies to adapt to the different situations that will arise.” to the team during the tournament.”
Finally, this term has been used to give the name to a Spanish film and television production company called Caleidoscopio Films .