19th-century Holmes stereoscope3D images have been around almost since before the invention of photography. The earliest known stereoscope was invented in 1838.
These devices, like modern 3D, show a slightly different image to each eye. As with our perception of the actual world, our eyes see the separate images but our brains combine them into one scene with perceived depth.
While many archives of stereoscopic images exist, there are few ways to view them in a way that allows one to see the 3D effect. Art photographer Dan Florence, attempts to make this art form more accessible by transforming these still images into animated gifs which feature both offset views.
Stannous Flouride's Book of Truthiness 
As a collector of Viewmaster reels, I found this kind of interesting. I’d still prefer to view them using the VM viewer or projector though.
LikeLike
I agree that both of those, or a stereo-opticon, is better. But this is the best way I’ve seen yet to suggest the 3D view.
Other than putting one’s nose against the screen, that is.
LikeLike