Invented by John Ayrton Paris (1785-1856), an English physician, in 1825, the Thaumatrope was the first instrument to exploit the persistence of images on the retina.

Who invented a thaumatrope?

Dr. John Ayrton Paris, who commercialized its use, is generally credited with its invention. However, the contributions of astronomer Sir John Herschel and Dr. William Henry Fitton are also credited to varying extent.

Where did the thaumatrope come from?

The invention of the thaumatrope is usually credited to British physician John Ayrton Paris. He described the device in his 1827 educational book for children Philosophy in Sport Made Science in Earnest, with an illustration by George Cruikshank.