Ikscription of the Kaleidophonc, 349 



appear waved or indented, and as unity is to the number of 

 indentations, so will the number of vibrations in the lower 

 sound be to the number in the higher sound. On varying the 

 mode of excitation, by striking the rod in different parts and 

 with different forces, very complicated and beautiful curvilinear 

 forms may be obtained : some of these are represented by the 

 opposite figures. 



Placing the hand on the lower part of the rod, below the 

 place at which it is excited, the excursions of the motions will 

 rapidly decrease and exhibit spiral figures. 



To obtain the figures with brilliancy and distinctness, a single 

 light only should be employed, as that of the sun, a lamp, or a 

 candle ; rays of light proceeding from several points, as from a 

 number of candles, or from the reflection of the clouds, occasion 

 the track to be broad and indistinct ; but double lights may be 

 employed with effect, provided they be of equal intensity and 

 symmetrically placed ; each bead will then describe two similar 

 figures. The appearances, in a bright sunshine, are remarkably 

 vivid and brilliant. 



No. 2. Although very beautiful and varied forms may be 

 produced from the motion of a single point, yet the compound 

 figures which are presented by objects, formed by a number of 

 points, offer appearances still more pleasing to the eye. 



An object being placed horizontally on the 

 plate, and the rod being put in motion, the 

 mutual intersections of the points, each 

 describing a similar figure, present to the 

 eye complicated, yet symmetrical figures, 

 resembling elegant specimens of engine- 

 turning. 



When the plate is horizontal, the figures are all in one plane, 

 but if it be inclined or perpendicular, the curves being then 

 made in parallel planes, gives the idea of a solid figure, and in 

 some cases the appearances are particularly striking. 



Complementary colours alone should be employed in the 

 objects ; for these harmonising together, give greater pleasure to 

 the eye than an injudicious combination of discordant tints : 

 the intensities should be occasionally varied, and colourless light 

 iiitermingled with the different shades. 



