Thaumatrope
What is a
Thaumatrope?
The Thaumatrope was
the first tool ever invented that was capable of tricking the persistence of
vision, “ Persistence of vision is the eye's ability
to retain an image for roughly 1/20 of a second after the object is gone.”
It can be made by using a small disc (or any other small shapes of paper for
that matter) and two pieces of string at either ends. Once the strings have
been attached at either end and you have images on either side that relate to
each other, you can simply twirl each side of your string and it will give the
effect of something being animated. This is the earliest form of optical
illusions that we know of.
Here is a video of
a Thaumatrope in action.
What does the name “Thaumatrope”
mean, and who invented this device?
The name
Thaumatrope is said to mean “Turning Marvel” or “Wonder Turner” and has been
related too Greek roots as “Thauma” means magic in Greek and “Trope” refers too
something that can turn. Many have referenced the Astronomer Sir John Herschel as the
original creator, however Dr John Ayton Paris a English Physician is the most
common name people would be able to think of when asked who created the
Thaumatrope, as he brought it too light in 1824 as a presentation to demonstrate persistence of vision during the Victorian era where it
gained popularity. Another person named William Henry Fitton an Irish Physician
and amateur geologist has been claimed by certain sources as the true original
creator over Paris. A man named Charles Babbage A mathematician , philosopher ,
inventor and mechanical engineer claims that he was introduced to the idea of a
Thaumatrope by Fitton and Herschel.
Dr John Ayton Paris
