Dominic Stora created his own version of the optical instrument popular in the mid 1800's. Based on the phenakistoscope invented in 1832 by Joseph Plateau of Belgian. Plateau devoted his life to the study of optics, the science of light and vision.

The toy works on a scientific principle known as "persistence of vision" - it describes how our eyes and brain work together. The human brain does not see a light until a tenth a second after the light is turned on. The image persists (lasts) about a tenth of a second after the light is turned off. The spinning slits on the phenakistoscope, allow your eyes and brain to quickly see a series of still pictures. Each picture shows a successive stage of movement. And each image is presented to the eye before the previous image fades out in your head. This tricks your brain into watching what it thinks is a moving subject. As pictured above, dancers adorn the wheel. Watch them dance as you quickly spin the wheel. Enjoy collecting disks from antique stores, or making your own. The Phenakistoscope measures 15 inches tall by 7 inches wide by 7 inches deep. $250.