The Atlas you see before you is one of a kind. I know of no other book dedicated exclusively to displaying the beauty of antique 19th century kaleidoscopes. And what is it that has attracted me (and hopefully you) to these antique wonders? There are many fine artists alive today who create kaleidoscopes of great beauty. But I have been drawn to the 19th century and the inception of these instruments. This attraction and appreciation goes far beyond what I experienced as a child when I was exposed to a toy kaleidoscope. I held it in my hands, looked through it, shortly lost interest, and went on to the next toy. As an adult I can appreciate the efforts of skilled craftsman such as Sir David Brewster and Charles Bush who were able to create these beautiful instruments that make you clamor for more. This is a book about antique instruments. Almost all were created prior to 1900. I have arbitrarily divided the book into sections highlighting the creations of Brewster and Bush. Additionally, there is a portion about early toy kaleidoscopes. Most are not in the best condition having been ravaged by the passage of time, cheap materials, and poor care by their owners. Their chances of surviving intact were very remote. I have also included a section of kaleidoscopic anomalies such as the Gorham kaleidoscopic color top and an Edwardian kaleidoscope in a box! These anomalies are distant relatives of the kaleidoscopes with which we are familiar. A section on the amalgamation of the kaleidoscope and the magic lantern projector is also included. This joining of the kaleidoscope and magic lantern projector evolved prior to the advent of the motion picture industry. And finally, I thought a trivia quiz with answers should be included in this book. Its purpose is to whet the reader's appetite for seeking out more information on kaleidoscopes and perhaps to even acquire one or two of them. For me, the creation of this Atlas has been a most enjoyable journey and a labor of love. I do hope that after reviewing this book, you the reader will also share the pleasure of these instruments as I have. Jim Vendeland M.D. October, 2024
