Optical Illusion: Three Circular Figures

By giving the page a revolving or rinsing motion the three circular figures printed on the next page appear to rotate.

Three Circular Optical Illusion

The best effect will be produced by laying the book down flat on the desk or table and revolving, first in one direction and then in the opposite direction, in such a way that any given point on the page will describe a circle of about 1/2 in. diameter.

Fig. 1 then appears to rotate in the same direction as the revolution; Fig. 2 appears to revolve in the opposite direction, and Fig. 3 appears to revolve sometimes in the same direction and at other times in the opposite direction.

A curious effect can be produced with Fig. 1 by covering up Figs. 2 and 3 with a piece of plain paper and laying a coin or other small object on the paper. If the vision is then concentrated on the coin or other object while same is being revolved, Fig. 1 will be seen to rotate.

Source: Project Gutenberg’s The Boy Mechanic: Volume 1, by Popular Mechanics, Produced by Don Kostuch