n. an optical instrument in which bits of glass, beads, etc., held loosely at the end of a rotating tube, are shown in continually changing symmetrical forms by reflection in two or more mirrors set at angles to each other.

The Sargent Family, representing Edward H. Sargent, Chief Engineer for the Conklinville Dam, recently acquired and then donated to the Library, the Kaleidoscope that had been on exhibit for many years in Laurence Faust's "Art Park" at Sacandaga Park. Mr. Faust's design and construction techniques adapted some of the features of the orginal instrument as described above. The surfaces of two large rotatable discs are covered with pieces of multi-colored stained glass, attached to their surfaces. The discs are side-by-side, can be turned by hand, independantly about their axes and are positioned in front of a large viewing tube. Light passing through the discs enters the tube, is reflected by mirrors within the tube and seen by the viewer who sits on a seat at the far end of the tube. The discs can be rotated with a stick to change the colors and patterns of the viewed images. The instrument is located in the library garden, pointing out over the lake toward the afternoon sun. You really need to pay a visit to this wonderful attraction but here are a few 'snapshot' images to illustrate what you might see.

Our Director at the controls.




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