Catalogue of stereopticons, dissolving view apparatus, magic lanterns : and list of over 3000 carefully selected views for the illustration of subjects of popular interest. (1867)

Within a few years past the beautiful art of Photographing on Glass has been brought to a high state of perfection; and by Its aid the Magic Lantern, which had been so long regarded as a mere toy for the amusement of children, has been raised to the character of a Scientific Instrument, calculated to be of vast service in the Instruction of youth, and the entertainment of the family clrcta, or as a beautiful and refining recreative exhibition to an intelligent audience. This Catalogue contains a list of over two thousand Views, carefully photographed on glass, from th« finest engravings to be procured, and colored by experienced artists, with the most brilliant and appro- priate tints necessary to their proper representation. Each View, except when othebwise described, is upon a glass plate three inches in di- ameter, WITH A COVEBINQ GLASS TO PROTECT IT FROM CABELESS HANDLING, AND EACH VIEW IS MOUNTED 6EPABATELY, IN A MAHOGANY FBAME OF FOUB INCHES WIDE AND SEVEN INCHES LONG. The choicest works of art—master pieces of Raphael, Rubens, and all the celebrated Painters of ancient and modern times; Illustrations of Travels and Voyages; Scriptural Scenes; Historical Sub- jeots: The Rattles, Sieges and important events of our Civil War; Portraits of Prominent Characters, etc., etc., will be found classified under separate heads. There are no subjects, however intricate, that may not thus be readily Illustrated, and the superior •tyle of painting in which the views are executed, classes them as genuine works of art. The Rrautlful Stereoscopic Views on Glass. In a Lantern Illuminated by the Oxy-Hydrogen or the Oxy-Calcium light, can be exhibited on a screen from fifteen to thirty feet square, covering an area of from 200 to 900 square feet, with a perfectly natural Stereoscopic effect. When two Lanterns thus Illuminated are used to produce the Dissolving Views, the Instrument Is called "The Stereofticon." These Dissolving Views iwhether with the above Stereoscopic Views, or with the finely colored Circular Views constitute the most attractive exhibition that can be offered to an educated public. The novel effect of " dissolving" one city Into another—New York into London—London Into Paris —Paris into Rome, etc.—the exterior of a building into the interior of the same buildin?—changing a smiling summer landscape to a snowy winter scene, etc., etc.—and all in so gradual a manner as always to leave a picture before the audience, produces a magical effect that never fails to please. While the character of the Paintings has thus improved and driven out the miserable caricatures formerly to be met with, the optical and mechanical portions of the apparatus have likewise advanced, •othat more perfect effects can be obtained than with the old-fashioned Lanterns, aud at the same tine with far more convenience and ease to the operator. _#&?'Every Lantern and Stereopticon sold by me is fitted with McAllister's New Slide Spring and Slop, by which the sliders are securely held in the central line of the lenses; an invention simple in construction, but the great importance of which t& acknowledged by all who have seen it."^^ In the education of youth, the value of pictorial representations Is known and appreciated as a most efficient mode of fixing ideas In the mind; and. the assortment of Vi<>ws now presented will enable a skillfw instructor to illustrate many subjects which have heretofore been supposed impossible to be explained other than orally, and to convey many lessons of vital Importance in a most forcible manner; while the fascinating character of the exhibition will give a charm to what would otherwise be considered a " dry lecture." Enlightened teachers have already appreciated the advantages or the now Improved Scientific Magic Lantern, and it is being rapidly introduced Into our Colleges, Academies and Schools, as a necessary educational adjunct. It Is also assuming a position as a fashionable and elegant Parlor Entertainment for private families. As an attractive Public Exhibition, It Is found, when properly managed, to prove a remunerative aud pleasant business, and offers great inducements to a man with moderate capital. Of all the different Lanterns now in use, we recommend for general use the Instruments supplied with what is called the Oxy-Calcium Light, in which a spirit flame furnishes the hydrogen gas, through which a jet of oxygen gas is conducted on a lime cylinder. This light is 100 times more intense than that of the oil lamp, and is without any danger, as only one gas is used—the oxygen—which, by Itself, is Incombustible. The brilliant effect produced by this Oxy-Calcium Light Is sufficient to make the pictures up to 15 feet In diameter—In fact, to give exhibitions in the largest halls. N Tha Oxy-Hydrogen, or Drummond Light Apparatus, although giving a still more Intense light than ih« foregoing Oxy-Calcium Light, Is more complicated, and requires more skillful management.