[irreg. f. Gr. θαῦμα (see THAUMATO-) + -τροπος turning.] Α scientific toy illustrating the persistence of visual impressions, consisting of a card or disk with two different figures drawn upon the two sides, which are apparently combined into one when the disk is rotated rapidly; also applied to a disk or cylinder bearing a series of figures which, on being rapidly rotated and viewed through a slit, produce the impression of a moving object (= PHENAKISTOSCOPE, ZOETROPE).
1827. J. A. Paris, Philos. in Sport, III. i. 5. This toy is termed the Thaumatrope.
1839. Brewster, Optics, xviii. (ed. 4), 338. Thaumatrope [is] the name given by Dr. Paris to an optical toy, the principle of which depends on the persistence of vision.
1872. Huxley, Phys., x. 245. The thaumatrope,… by the help of which, on looking through a hole, one sees images of jugglers throwing up and catching balls.
Hence Thaumatropical a., pertaining to or having the nature or effect of a thaumatrope.
1829. Blackw. Mag., XXV. 82. Having read Emerson on this thaumatropical proceeding.
