The Optical Magic Lantern Journal (February 1891)

The Optical Magic Lantern Journal and Photographic Enlarger. 87 and the powerful pure white light given out by the two patent lamps, with its entire freedom from smoke or smelland easy management, were favourably commented upon. A selection of “ Woodbury ” slides of statuary, &c., were shown by the Sciopticon on a large ground glass screen, and that method proved a very satisfactory plan ofexhibiting those fine slides to the best advantage. HACKNEY PHOTO. Sacinry.—The ordinary meeting was held on Sth January, the president, Dr. Gerard Smith, inthe chair. Mr. Dean showed some prints on alpha paper with tones ranging from red to blue. Mr. Barton asked what experience had any of the members of Shew’s adapter. The president said he had usedone, but has suffered by having fogged plates. Mr. Beckett said he thought alarge stand would be necessary. Mr. A. Mackie then gave his demonstration of the collodio-bromide process. Prefacing his demonstration with a short history of the process and its discovery, he made the working of it clear to the non-workers ofthis charming process. After coating a plate, he proceeded to expose it for about one second : by magnesium ribbon, and develop it by a modified ; alkaline developer, and fix by an ordinary fixing bath. He further illustrated the process by explaining the composition of the emulsion method of preparing it, &c. Lantern slides made by this process were shown on the screen, which were the work of Mr. Mackie and Mr. Hume. The slides in question, before being put through the lantern, were first warmed to prevent being broken by the heat of the lantern. NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE AN NORTHERN CounTirs’ PHOLOGRAPIIIC ASSOCIATION. —The annual meeting ‘was simply a question of pressure of gas. of Newcastle and Northern Counties’ Photographic | Association took place on Tuesday night, the 13th ult., at Mosley-street Cafe, Newcastle, under the presidency of Mr. J.P. Gibson. There was a large attendance ot members. The secretary’s and treasurer's statements were deferred until next month. It was, however, pointed out that the position of the society was highly satisfactory, inasmuch as the membership during last year was nearly doubled, owing, no | doubt, to the impetus given to photography by the! highly successful exhibition held in April last at the Art Gallery. Norru MtppLesSh&xX PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY.— | ' meeting was held on Wednesday, January 21st, at the he annual general meeting took place at Jubilee House, Hornsey Rise, on January 12th, 1591, Mr. J. Humphries, F.S.A., in the chair. Mr. G. R. Martin resigned the secretaryship, and Mr. E. S. Paul the treasurership. Alterations in the rules were made, by which the title was changed from the “North Middlesex Photographic Club’ to the “North Middlesex Photographic Society,” and the number of the council was increased from eight to twelve. The retiring officers and members of the council received a vote of thanks for their service, and the following officers and members of the council were elected for the ensuing year :—President, J. Humphries, F.S.A. ; vice-president, W. S. Goodheed and H. Walker ; curator, F. Piper ; council, C. Beadle, H. Beckett, F. Cherry, F. W. Cox, C. C. Gill, T. C. Lathbridge, W.A. Lavanchy, C. R. Martin, J.C.S. Mummery, F. L. Pither, J. Saville, H. Smith ; treasurer, J. W. Marchant; hon. secretary, J. M‘Intosh, 14 Lowman-road, Holloway. -and the successful year’s work. Tay Corinrxfan Yacur CLup, DuNDEE.—Orthe evening of Monday, 29th December, this club gave its members a new departure, in the form of an exhibition of all the most famous yachts—fromn the celebrated “America” and the much coveted cup down to the latest specimen of a 2 rater—by means of the optical lantern. The slides from Messrs. West & Son, of Southsea, were pronounced the best and the most perfect of yachting subjects ever shown, all being from instantaneous photographs taken by that eminent firm. Selections of yachting studies by Messrs. Wilson were also shown ; and some exquisite views of Scottish scenery by the Woodbury process kindly lent for the occasion by Mr. George Smith, of the Sciopticon Company, London, were very much admired. Other yacht clubs might do well to give their members similar lantern exhibitions during the winter months, as we find that a great majority of yachtmen are amateur photographers, both these hobbies fitting very well together. THE LANTERN SOCIETY.—On 12th ult. Mr. G. W.. Nelson, F.R.M.S., gave a lecture on “ The Lantern and its Relation to Photography and the Microscope.” With the exception of the introduction of petroleum as an illuminant, Mr. Nelson said the lantern had made but little progress during the last twenty-five years. Although many brands of oil were in the market, there were only two kinds refined, and the difference was only one of “label.” The hissing of jets could not be remedied in their manufacture, it Limes: in discs he thought preferable to cylinders, as the hole in the latter was the chief cause of their. cracking. In his opinion if one could not get along without the numerous adjusting knobs and taps now used, they had better give up the lantern altogether ; he preferred an ordinary household tap. He alluded briefly to some of the forms of bye-passes in use which. were not capable of adjustment as bad. Several styles of condensers were explained with the aid of diagrams, and their qualities afterwards tested in the lantern. For slides with mats ofsmall aperture, such as many of the microscopic slides shown, a short focus: triple condenser gave the best illumination. The lantern was invaluable for showing microscopic work. CROYDON MIcRkoscopicaAL CLUr. — The annual. Public Hall. In his presidential address, Mr. Lovett congratulated the society upon the position of the club, Fifteen lectures and papers on subjects of general interest had been. read during the year, and the meetings and excursionshad been well attended. Mr. Lovett stated that he had obtained a room in the Public Hall which he had fitted up as a dark room and laboratory, and: which he now begged to present to the club for the coming year. Mr. Sturge was elected treasurer in the place of Mr. McKean, resigned, and the two vacancies on the committee were filled by Mr. H. D. Gower, hon. secretary (photographic section), and. Mr. Mckean. 20: Mr. EH. J. Beastey, of Chancery-lane, has just issued a register of photographic businesses for sale. Those wishing to invest will do well to obtain a copy.