Praxinoscope

The praxinoscope was the first invention Brevet ée of Emile Reynaud in 1877. It was about a optical Jouet giving the illusion of the movement. This toy will obtain a “honourable mention” with the World Fair of Paris of 1878 and will have a commercial nice success. It made it possible its inventor to continue his research. The praxinoscope is thus at the base of its following inventions: the Praxinoscope-theater, the Praxinoscope with projection, the optical Theater.

Operation

The praxinoscope takes again the principle of the Zootrope of William George Horner of a printed removable band of a series of 12 drawings breaking up a cyclic movement. This band is laid out inside a drum turning around an axis being used incidentally as foot.

Emile Reynaud adds inside the drum, turning on the same axis, a cylinder with facets on which 12 small mirrors are laid out reflecting each one a drawing. A candlestick on the upper part of the axis decorates the object.

With the system of cylinder of mirrors, the spectator views only one drawing at the same time: that reflected in the small mirror which it has opposite him. With the rotation of the drum, the images replace the ones the others without obturation. What allows on the one hand, a better visibility of the drawings represented (contrary to the optical toys with slits) and on the other hand, to view the movement with several (contrary to the Phénakistiscope).

Bands of praxinoscope (1877-1879)

Series 1

the Aquarium
the Juggler
the Equilibrist
the Meal of the Chickens
Soap Bubbles
the Grill-room owner
Dance on the Cord
Erudite Dogs
Play of Cord
Zim, Bang, Bang

Series 2

Play of the Wheel
the Water mill
the Swimmer
the Monkey Musician
the Slip

Series 3

the Charming lady
the Swing
the Hercules
Both Mischievous
the Smoker
Set of graces
the Amazon
the Steeplechase
the Small waltzers
the Clowns

Random links: