One of eight double-sided Phenakistoscope picture discs, 180mm-224mm diameter (some badly damaged from adhesive). Dancer with cornucopea; cherub and female figure.

This optical toy was invented by the Belgian physicist Joseph Plateau (1801-1883). It is held with the printed side of the disc facing a mirror. When the disc is spun the viewer looks at its reflection through the apertures on the disc's circumference and the drawings appear to move.

One of eight double-sided Phenakistoscope picture discs, 180mm-224mm diameter (some badly damaged from adhesive).Man with bat and ball; two dancers.

This optical toy was invented by the Belgian physicist Joseph Plateau (1801-1883). It is held with the printed side of the disc facing a mirror. When the disc is spun the viewer looks at its reflection through the apertures on the disc's circumference and the drawings appear to move.

One of eight double-sided Phenakistoscope picture discs, 180mm-224mm diameter (some badly damaged from adhesive). Sawmill; blacksmith.

This optical toy was invented by the Belgian physicist Joseph Plateau (1801-1883). It is held with the printed side of the disc facing a mirror. When the disc is spun the viewer looks at its reflection through the apertures on the disc's circumference and the drawings appear to move.

One of eight double-sided Phenakistoscope picture discs, 180mm-224mm diameter (some badly damaged from adhesive). Sawmill cutting logs; blacksmith with drop forge.

This optical toy was invented by the Belgian physicist Joseph Plateau (1801-1883). It is held with the printed side of the disc facing a mirror. When the disc is spun the viewer looks at its reflection through the apertures on the disc's circumference and the drawings appear to move.

One of eight double-sided Phenakistoscope picture discs, 180mm-224mm diameter (some badly damaged from adhesive). Hoop and ball; boys playing leapfrog.

This optical toy was invented by the Belgian physicist Joseph Plateau (1801-1883). It is held with the printed side of the disc facing a mirror. When the disc is spun the viewer looks at its reflection through the apertures on the disc's circumference and the drawings appear to move.

One of eight double-sided Phenakistoscope picture discs, 180mm-224mm diameter (some badly damaged from adhesive). Girl with cymbals, two boys jumping back-to-back.

This optical toy was invented by the Belgian physicist Joseph Plateau (1801-1883). It is held with the printed side of the disc facing a mirror. When the disc is spun the viewer looks at its reflection through the apertures on the disc's circumference and the drawings appear to move.

One of eight double-sided Phenakistoscope picture discs, 180mm-224mm diameter (some badly damaged from adhesive). Wood chopping, woman birching boy.

This optical toy was invented by the Belgian physicist Joseph Plateau (1801-1883). It is held with the printed side of the disc facing a mirror. When the disc is spun the viewer looks at its reflection through the apertures on the disc's circumference and the drawings appear to move.

One of eight double-sided Phenakistoscope picture discs, 180mm-224mm diameter (some badly damaged from adhesive). Mr Punch walking; man leaping through hoop from horseback.

This optical toy was invented by the Belgian physicist Joseph Plateau (1801-1883). It is held with the printed side of the disc facing a mirror. When the disc is spun the viewer looks at its reflection through the apertures on the disc's circumference and the drawings appear to move.

Phenakistoscope blank disc on spindle with wooden handle.

This optical toy was invented by the Belgian physicist Joseph Plateau (1801-1883). It is held with the printed side of the disc facing a mirror. When the disc is spun the viewer looks at its reflection through the apertures on the disc's circumference and the drawings appear to move.