Scioptric Ball

Replica Crafted by
Dr. Robert Lisle, 1978.

Turned wooden scioptric ball or "ox-eye". The ball measures approximately 3 1/4” in diameter, housed in a 7 1/2” x 7 1/2” wooden mount. Underside signed, "R.W. Lisle, 1978.” This is the only replica in my collection, but Dr. Lisle did such a masterful job Replicating this unique optical device that I decided to add it to my collection.
(Besides, good luck finding an original outside of a museum!)

NOTE:  In 1636, Daniel Schwenter, a German mathematician, described a wooden ball with a hole bored through it and a lens fitted at each end. It could be placed in the opening of the camera obscura, projecting a brighter, more detailed image. The scioptric ball was used for popular entertainment and as a sketching aid in mural painting.