Kirschmann's Color-mixing apparatus (counterrotating disks)

(Farbenmisch-Apparat nach Kirschmann)
Description: These wheels, imprinted with different colors and patterns, were spun at different speeds and in opposite directions to demonstrate the principles of color mixing. Disk I appears to show that exclusion of one principal color produces the presentation of 5 of the six "primary" colors, a residual complementary color; Disk II produces complementary colors, one in the center, the other in the periphery of the disk using the same mechanism as Disk I; Disk III (all using a 5-color scheme) and others are used to show mixed colors, transitions from one hue to another, etc. When these disks are set to be moved independently from the main axis, they show a continuous transition from one color to another, moving color rings, and other "surprising" appearances. (Expanded caption Copyright 1998, Edward J. Haupt)
(Source: August Kirschmann, formerly Assistent for Wundt's laboratory, not otherwise noted.)
Source of illustration: Zimmermann, E. (1903). XVIII. Preis- Liste über psychologische und physiologische Apparate (p. 5). Leipzig: Eduard Zimmermann.

DESCRIPTORS:
Type: demonstration
Stimulus: colored, gray, or patterned disks
System: vision
Output: N/A

Return to top of main museum page.

Return to place in the list.