Kaleidoscope History & Uses

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This guide will provide a brief history of kaleidoscopes and information on their varied uses.  We hope you'll find this interesting and educational.

History

The word "kaleidoscope" is a combination of Greek words, KALO, EIDO, SCOPOS meaning beautiful-forms-viewer.

The first kaleidoscope was patented in 1817 by Sir David Brewster, however it has come into question whether he was the inventor.  Although he had the first patent, he didn't receive much financial benefit.  There were problems with the patent and in the mean time others started producing them and profiting from their sale.

Charles Bush was the first to bring kaleidoscopes to America and widely produce them.  Replicas are still available such as the one made by Van Cort Instruments.

Early kaleidoscopes were often cardboard.  In fact, many people today still think of them as the cardboard child's toy with little bits of colorful plastic not realizing they've been elevated to an art form.

In the 1980's there was a resurgence of interest in kaleidoscopes and the variety of materials used to  make scopes has evolved.  Today, you'll find fine kaleidoscopes made of an array of materials including exotic woods, brass & other metals, marble, ceramic, stained glass and an endless array of found items.  We carry an extensive collection in our store and will continue to expand the variety. 

Kaleidoscope Uses 

The early use of kaleidoscopes was for entertainment and the sheer enjoyment of the beautiful images.  Still a worthy use today.

Utilitarian uses include incorporating kaleidoscope views and patterns into tapestries, rugs, carpets, wallpaper, fabric and more.  Long ago they were used for inspiration in Persian rug designs.

Recently, I've had a school teacher tell me how she uses kaleidoscope to teach her students geometry.  What a fun teacher!

Another practical use is for storing/hiding valuables.  Kaleidoscopes that have object chambers that can be opened (dry cells) and are sometimes used for safekeeping of valuables.

Anyone who's enjoyed the experience of kaleidoscope viewing hardly needs documentation of the studies demonstrating the stress reduction related to kaleidoscope viewing.  Its easy to get lost in the beautiful images, and hard to feel bad when looking through a kaleidoscope.

Kaleidoscopes are being incorporated into hospice and other medical care more and more.  Attorneys and dentists have been known to keep them in their offices and waiting rooms to calm nervous or contentious clients.

Kaleidoscope viewing can be a meditative experience that increases creativity.  The mandalas formed by kaleidoscopes have the symbolism of oneness with the universe representing it with no beginning and no end to the circular designs.  In turn, it stimulates creativity.

More recent research has documented the benefits of incorporating color therapy or chromotherapy into kaleidoscope viewing.  In chromotherapy, different colors have been found to be associated with various positive emotions and aid in bringing these emotions about.

Kaleidoscopes have also been used as ambassadors of goodwill.  President Bush has handed out kaleidoscopes decorated with the US flag to children in foreign countries.  Now that's a great way to make a good impression. 

These are some of the varied uses of kaleidoscopes.  Wonderful as they are, I don't believe you need any practical excuse for owning or viewing kaleidoscopes other than for their sheer beauty and the enjoyment of viewing. 

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