Thaumatrope

Thaumatrope

The thaumatrope was invented by John Ayrton Paris, an English physician, in 1825.  It was one of the earliest optical toys and is considered the first device to use the principle of  persistence of vision. This principle explains how our eyes retain an image for a fraction of a second after it disappears, allowing the two images on the spinning card to appear as one. Paris introduced the thaumatrope in his book “Philosophy in Sport made Science in Earnest” in 1827.

The toy became quite popular in the 19th century and was used to demonstrate basic principles of visual perception. This simple device, the thaumatrope, contributed to the development of animation and cinematography.

Here is a simple way to make a thaumatrope:

Materials & Process

You will need an index card (4×6 is good), some string, scissors, hole punch

  • Draw Your Images
    On one side of the card, draw an image (like a tree). On the other side of the card card, draw a related image (like something on or near the tree like a bird)). Make sure they are both oriented in the same direction.
  • Hole and the String
    Punch two holes on opposite sides of the card and thread a piece of string through each hole.
  • Twist and Spin
    Hold the strings and twist them. As you let the card spin, the images will blend together, creating the illusion that the bird is in or near the tree.

Cinema magic! You’ve got a thaumatrope. Enjoy the magic.

Suggested Thaumatrope Ideas

  • Your name with alternating letters on each side
  • Events from a story
  • A 2 element process of doing something
  • Collage from printed visuals

More Animation Ideas with Optical Toys

  • Flip Books – handmade and computer generated
  • Zoetropes – large round ice cream tubs like at ice cream stores were the best
  • Light – see how a rainbow works (similar in construction as a thaumatrope)
  • Camera Obscura – how the eyes invert
  • Shadow Puppets – fun live action