The phenakistoscope was the first device to demonstrate the illusion of animation. Invented by Belgian physicist, Joseph Plateau in 1832, the phenakistoscope was so revolutionary that it was seen by some as witchcraft. A slitted disc with sequential images mounted on a handle. Spin the disc and nothing unexpected happened, but if the spinning disc is viewed in a mirror, the images burst into life! Viewing the disc's reflection through its slits, breaks up the blur of color into a series of sequential images creating the illusion of motion.
This replica includes the 12 original discs manufactured by Plateau, housed in a nice box set with a solid hardwood and brass handle.
Size: Handle Length: 8.5 inch. Disc Diameter: 7.625 inch. (Handle Length: 215 mm. Disc Diameter: 193 mm)