Later in the early 1870 s, an American called Charles Bush (1825-1900) improved upon the kaleidoscope and started the kaleidoscope fad. Charles Bush was granted patents in 1873 - 1874 related to improvements in kaleidoscopes, kaleidoscope boxes, objects for kaleidoscopes (US 143,271), and kaleidoscope stands. Bush was the first person to mass manufacturer his "parlor" kaleidoscope in America.

 Most noteworthy about the Bush kaleidoscopes were the glass pieces contained in the object case. Bush had a basic mix of about 35 pieces, a third of which were liquid filled. Inside the liquids were air bubbles that continued to move even after the object case was at rest. Both the solid and liquid-filled glass pieces were of brilliant and well-chosen colors, and the patterns they formed were the finest of any 19th century kaleidoscope. One unusual piece that comes into view in a very few of the original Bush scopes is a clear glass disk embossed with a swan. But it is the liquid-filled ampules that are by far the most distinctive feature of the Bush scope.

This is the Cadillac of kaleidoscopes, invented and made by Charles G. Bush of Providence, Rhode Island. Stamped into the top of the brass cowling is "C.G. Bush & Co. Prov. R.I. Patent Reissued Nov. 11, 1873" with the image of a small single pedestal parlor scope above. This lovely example features a textured cardboard tube to simulate leather. It is fitted with a brass cowling attached by screws around which revolves a brass spoked "ship's wheel" object cell. The brass still retains the original lacquer finish.