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Zo′e-trope.

This mechanical toy, like the thaumatrope, which amused the preceding generation, depends for its interest upon the constancy of visual impressions. See also Anorthoscope; Phenakis-Toscope; Stroboscope; Rotascope; etc.

It consists of a rotating drum, open at the top, in which, around its inner periphery, are placed strips of paper having figures of men, animals, etc., in varying positions. By turning the cylinder, the images are seen through slots in its upper side, giving the effect of action to the figures. For instance, a porpoise is represented in perhaps a dozen different positions. The turning of the drum brings into view, in rapid succession, the varying positions of the fish until they blend into a perfect image full of motion, and operating to simulate the natural action of the animal.

A man sawing wood, an animal kicking, a clown jumping through a hoop, an acrobat playing with clubs, are thus shown in apparent motion.

It is described in a paper by W. G. Horner, in the “Philosophical magazine,” January, 1834, “On the Properties of the Daedaleum, a new Instrument of Optical Illusion.” See also Lincoln's patent, No. 64,117, April 23, 1807.

Its action depends upon the persistence of visual impressions. It is a cylinder rotating on a vertical shaft, and having vertical slits in the sides, through which are viewed the pictures, which are on strips placed around the inside of the cylinder. The vision is interrupted by the spaces between the embrasures, and the object consists of a figure or group, in a series of successive attitudes, which, viewed consecutively, without appreciable interval, appear as a single moving object.

1877.

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