The Optical Magic Lantern Journal (December 1890)

60 The Optical Mazio Lantern Journal and Photographio Halarger. a screen by the Hon. Slingsby Bethel ; and by a reading desk from Mr. Arnauld, of Isle of Wight. = 2 From time to time we are asked where to obtain the novel shape for cutting various sizes and shapes of mats for lantern slides, which we described in our issue of August last. We understand that Messrs. R. W. Thomas and Co., Limited, 10, Pall Mall, are to obtain a supply. These shapes will be found very handy for producing mats of various sizes. ® a 2 Mr. W. MippLeron AsHMan, the hon. sec. ofthe Bath Photographic Society, has opened a fine photographic studio at 12a, Old Bond-street, Bath. 2 R 2 Tue London Stereoscopic Co. (Regent-street) | use an optical lantern with arc electric light for projecting an enlargement upon a large pane of ground glass, which has a fine effect from the opposite side of the street. * * * AN exhibition of competition pictures and lantern slides will be held in connection with the Hackney Photographic Society, at St. Andrew’s ! Hall, Hackney, on December 11. Music will be performed at intervals. * * * We take this opportunity of wishing our readers | a pleasant Christmas. ‘0: The Lantern for Suffering Humanity. — A NEW SCHEME, — WE are about to suggest a new method whereby many of those who are, from various causes, cut off to a certain extent for a time from the outer world, may have their burdens lightened. We refer to convalescent patients in hospitals. The intended plan is to give the patients an occasional pleasant evening in the form of a lantern entertainment. Imagine the pleasure. with which a person will welcome this exhibition who may have, for a long time, been laid up on a bed of sickness, owing to disease or accident, to ! which all are liable. it is proposed that two or three complete lantern outfits be obtained, exclusively for the use of metropolitan hospitals, in which exhibitions could be given at frequent intervals. We feel assured that there is sufficient liberality and kindly feeling among manufacturers to contribute apparatus for this purpose, which could be placed in the hands of trustees ; and we feel equally assured that among the large body of lantern exhibitors many would be only too glad to devote an evening, and conduct an occasional ' exhibition. It would also be a chance for young exhibitors acquiring experience in the conducting of exhibitions before larger and perhaps more critical audiences. considerable number ofslides would be required: in order to give diversity to these entertainments ;. but after once started, we have no doubt that many of our readers would be very pleased to donate two or three slides for such a praiseworthy object. The selection, of course, would be left with the donors, but some suited for the amusement of children should be included. We hope to have an immediate expression of opinion from our readers, and to be able to announce in next issue that action has been taken in the matter. Letters addressed to the Editor of this paper, at Dorset Works, Salisbury-square, London, E.C.,. will be promptly acknowledged. 10: Oil Lamps. A CORRESPONDENT details a somewhat strange behaviour of a lamp of the Sciopticon class. In | the course of his letter he says :—' About two. | years ago I bought a pair of lanterns. I first tried Alexandra mineral oil, but found that would not do at all, for when the oil got hot, the flame would rise ; turning down the wick had no effect, the flames came out of the top of the chimney.. Then I tried common American petroleum, but could not get a light as bright as I should wish. |The lamps have four wicks.’”’ He further asks the name of a good oil. The manufacturer trom whom the outfit was purchased, in a recent interview suggested that the: wick must have been first turned above the burner ,and then lighted. Under those circumstances. the flame would shortly rise, and turning down would make matters worse; but as our corres pondent says he has had his lanterns about twoi years, it is to besupposed that he is conversant with the manner of obtaining a light. He mentions that a different oil gave better results. Thinking: that perhaps the flashing point of the oil might be too low, we communicated with Messrs. James. L. Thomas and Co., of Exeter, who are agents. for the oil mentioned. They say—' The burner ‘itself appears to be the only cause of the defect. We have had experience ourselves of this pattern,. and very unsatisfactory it is ; it is impossible to obtain a good light with the burner, from the very nature of its construction, with any oil. Many of our friends have superseded this burner altogether, and when the change has been effected,. «Alexandra oil has answered perfectly. As to the ei