Charles Wheatstone
/ˌtʃɑːlz ˈwiːtstəʊn/
/ˌtʃɑːrlz ˈwiːtstəʊn/
- (1802-75) an English scientist and inventor. He invented many things, including the kaleidoscope (= a toy consisting of a tube containing pieces of coloured glass and mirrors which reflect these so that changing patterns are formed when the tube is turned), the electric clock and the Wheatstone bridge, a device for measuring electrical resistance. He taught physics at London University, and was made a knight in 1868.