![thamotrope2](https://graphicarts.princeton.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/158/2013/10/thamotrope2.jpg)
Trompe-l’oeil ou les plaisirs de Jocko, French, ca. 1837. Discs: 2 1/2″ diam.; set contains 24 discs. Graphic Arts Collection, optical devices
A thaumatrope is a small paper disc with two strings on either side. Half of a picture is on the front and the other half on the back. When you spin it between your fingers, the pictures appear to merge and form a complete scene. The Graphic Arts collection has a French set from the early 1800s. Here are a few examples.
For a set of smoother animations, see the wonderful Richard Balzer tumbler or website:
http://dickbalzer.blogspot.com/