Box-type stereoscope

Also known as: Box pattern stereoscope

A box-type stereoscope is a hand-held refracting viewer with an enclosed, box-shaped housing that contains the optical system and supports the stereoview in a fixed position. The enclosure shields the images from ambient light and ensures stable alignment of the lenses and picture carrier. Illumination is typically provided from above by a hinged lid and/or through a ground glass panel at the rear.

The box-type stereoscope is historically derived from the Brewster-type stereoscope. There is no formally accepted definition that clearly distinguishes the two terms. In practice, box-type stereoscope and Brewster-type stereoscope are sometimes used interchangeably.

Stereoscope classification

See also: introduction to stereoscope classification