Kaleidoscope 9"
In 1816, while experimenting with prisms and optical tools, Sir  David Brewster of Scotland created a tube-like instrument that  contained loose pieces of glass and other objects reflected by angled  mirrors. The tube displayed various symmetrical patterns when viewed  through one end. He dubbed his wonderful invention the "kaleidoscope,"  from the Greek words meaning "beautiful form to see." Kaleidoscopes are  still created much the same way they were almost 200 years ago, with  some variations here and there. This glass-tube kaleidoscope from  Toysmith has spiraling blue-and-red bubbles and spangles suspended in  liquid. When you look through the viewing hole, you see a circle of  intricate, iridescent, slowly flowing particles. The results are so  beautiful your kids will have trouble wresting the kaleidoscope away  from you.--Lisa Whipple