Dreamachine

:Dream Machine is also the sub-title of fangame Super Mario Epic 2.

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The Dreamachine (or Dream Machine) was invented by Beat generation members Brion Gysin and Ian Sommerville in 1959.

Related Topics:
Beat generation - Brion Gysin - Ian Sommerville - 1959

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In its original form, the Dreamachine is made from a cylinder with slits cut in the sides. The cylinder is placed on a record turntable and rotated at 78 RPM. A light bulb is suspended in the center of the cylinder and the rotation speed allows the light to come out from the holes at a constant frequency, situated between 8 and 13 pulses per second. This frequency range corresponds to alpha waves, electrical oscillations normally present in the human brain while dreaming.

Related Topics:
Record turntable - Alpha wave - Oscillation - Dreaming

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The Dreamachine is "viewed" with the eyes closed: the pulsating light stimulates the optical nerve and alters the brain's electrical oscillations. It is claimed that viewing a Dreamachine allows one to enter the state of lucid dreaming.

Related Topics:
Optical nerve - Lucid dreaming

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It should be noted that the Dreamachine may be dangerous for people with photosensitive epilepsy or other nervous disorders. It is thought that one out of 10,000 adults will experience a seizure while viewing the device; about twice as many children will have a similar ill effect. Also, others report that viewing a Dreamachine can become addictive, and moderation is encouraged when using the device.

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