kaleidograph

English

Etymology

From Ancient Greek καλός (kalós, “beautiful”) +‎ -graph.

Noun

kaleidograph (plural kaleidographs)

1. A late 19th or early 20th century device for duplicating documents that use colored ink, consisting of a tray with a rubbery substance that takes an impression of the document and then transfers it onto blank sheets of paper.
   • 1880, Bankers Magazine - Volume 34, page 206:

     The Kaleidograph is claimed to be the only apparatus of the kind adapted for use in all temperatures from 20⁰ to 90⁰.

   • 1902, Colorado. Dept. of Education, Biennial Report - Issue 13, page 500:

     Some of the larger additions to the equipment have been for the school; two pianos, six typewriters, five kaleidographs, one stereograph, one embossed globe, twenty-four new desks, more than five hundred books for the library, numerous tables for study room, etc.;

   • 1919, The Catholic Charities Review - Volumes 3-4, page 246:

     In the school department the following subjects are taught: English, writing with stylus, kaleidograph and typewriting, spelling, dramatization, arithmetic, geography, history, current events, nature study, and physiology.

2. A device for projecting the colorful patterns produced by a kaleidoscope.
   • 1874, Brighton and Hove Natural History and Philosophical Society, Abstracts of Papers Read Before the Society, page 80:

     Electrical experiments were provided by Mr J. P. Capon, who had a powerful battery at work, and the kaleidograph, lent by Mr. G. Nash, was a never-ceasing source of fascination.

   • 1912, Harry Thurston Peck, The Standard Illustrated Book of Facts, page 461:

     By means of a device, known as a kaleidograph, the patterns thus formed may be thrown on a screen or a glass.

   • 1915, Wilson's Photographic Magazine - Volume 52, page 61:

     PULFRICH, of Zeiss's, has invented a new kaleidograph which gives perfect images of the pretty and instructive figures as seen in the ordinary kaleidoscope.

3. (figurative) A changing visual display.
   • 1911, Alastair St. Clair Mackenzie, The evolution of literature, page 268:

     Swayed by the kaleidograph of inner suggestion primitive tribes abandon themselves hour after hour to the festal chants until the performers reach the point of fatigue,