The kaleidoscopic colour top consists of a spoked metal top, and a number of black paper discs and assorted multi-coloured and patterned paper discs. It was invented by John Gorham in the 1850s and can be used to demonstrate the blending of primary colours to create secondary colours. The appearance of the spinning discs is similar to that in a kaleidoscope, hence the name.

By using one of the black perforated discs dropped over the colour disc while spinning further colours and patterns can be seen. If the black disc is spun at a slower rate than the coloured discs a different series of patterns are created. The speed of the black disc can de reduced by attaching a thread to the circumference: this is sufficient to retard the motion and to make some vibrations which add to the colour effects.

In an age when scientific toys were beginning to be developed, this toy may have been used as much by adults as by children.

King, Constance Eileen. The encyclopedia of toys, Adelaide: Rigby, 1978

Opie, Iona. The treasures of childhood: books, toys and games from the Opie collection, London: Pavilion, 1989

Journal of cell science: Select article by John Gorham Multiplied Figures by Rotation: The Kaleidoscopic Colour-top