The following sections of this BookRags Literature Study Guide is offprint from Gale's For Students Series: Presenting Analysis, Context, and Criticism on Commonly Studied Works: Introduction, Author Biography, Plot Summary, Characters, Themes, Style, Historical Context, Critical Overview, Criticism and Critical Essays, Media Adaptations, Topics for Further Study, Compare & Contrast, What Do I Read Next?, For Further Study, and Sources.
(c)1998-2002; (c)2002 by Gale. Gale is an imprint of The Gale Group, Inc., a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Gale and Design and Thomson Learning are trademarks used herein under license.
The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Encyclopedia of Popular Fiction: "Social Concerns", "Thematic Overview", "Techniques", "Literary Precedents", "Key Questions", "Related Titles", "Adaptations", "Related Web Sites". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Guide to Literature for Young Adults: "About the Author", "Overview", "Setting", "Literary Qualities", "Social Sensitivity", "Topics for Discussion", "Ideas for Reports and Papers". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
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Of all the inventions derived from early optical research, one of the best loved and most enduring is the kaleidoscope. Patented in 1817 by Sir David Brewster, the kaleidoscope became an instant success and remains to this day a popular gadget among young and old.
While conducting experiments on polarity in the early nineteenth century, Brewster noted that two mirrors set at thirty degree angles would create a near-infinite reflection image. He placed his mirrors in a tube with brightly colored beads in the base, and the kaleidoscope was born. Brewster's invention was immensely popular and was also easy to pirate; consequently, Brewster earned almost nothing from its sales.
Since its conception, the kaleidoscope has undergone remarkably few modifications. Polarized planes and colored foils have often replaced Brewster's beads, but the essential design is unchanged. In addition to timeless amusement, the beautiful images seen through the kaleidoscope's peephole have served as inspiration for new carpet, wallpaper, and fabric designs.