The Optical Magic Lantern Journal (February 1891)

58 The Optioal Magio Lantern Journal and Photograpio Enlarger. Notes and Queries. L, J. asks if there is any saving of gas with Noakes’s reguJator. Arnswer.—Messrs. Noakes claim that in five exhibitions they saved rsft. of each gas. The probable reason of this is that the gases are so easily and finely adjusted with this regulator that the minimum quantities only are consumed. S.—Forwarded to writer. J.—Flat side of lens should be uppermost. R. Sprules,—Yes. We should suggest that you fasten the plumb indicator spoken of on the swing-back of your camera. Amateur Mechanic writes that ‘Lantern’ has not yet published the particulars of the lantern he was making, and which he promised some months ago to give. Iteply.—Our correspondent, “ Lantern,” is, we believe, engaged on one of the ocean steamers, and it is possible that he has not been ‘gack to London since he wrote promising to give the account of his lantern. R. Kelsey writes to thank “ Duffer" for the hint about sticking the cork on rod. Hesays: “I have often used the rod ; but it never occurred to me to make a butt-end that could be readily distinguished. I have since Jan. 3 used the cork, and think it an excellent idea." Expense says: ‘I have been very unfortunate this season in breaking the inside lens of the condenser of my lantern. The last three exhibitions I have given I have had the misfortune to break the lens each time, and now that I have had the third new one put inI want to ask your valuable advice, as this sort of thing is ruinous to my pocket-book, as I have no surplus cash to spare. Please don't give me any advice about being more careful, &c., as I am particularly careful, though perhaps not so experienced as many. Is there anything that I can put in front of light that will prevent this in future? Messrs. —— of our town told me that I must have a tank made to contain a solution containing alum and several other things ; but this again means money. Do you know of any simple thing I can make myself?" sLnsaver.—Place a gheet of clear glass between the light and the condenser, If this should get broken you can easily replace it. Fascinated.—We think it unwise to go to the expense of having small compound condensers made for the lantern you describe. It is only a 3s. 6d. toy. You can get a proper Jantem from 30s. and upwards, from any of our advertisers ‘in the lantern line. Anxious.—We hear that the lamp referred to is one made by Messrs. Hinks, of Birmingham, for which firm Messrs. Thomas and Co., of Exeter, are agents. T. B.—Thanks for your kind wishes. W, HT. Farvow.—We are glad to hear that this journal is so highly appreciated by your photographic society. W. Fenton Jones.—The title you suggest is copyright, there having been a religious paper of that name in existence for a considerable time. Arcanum.—(1t) We said that particulars of the wheel of life would appear eventually in our columns, and this is still our intention ; if you cannot wait, apply at some of the dealers ‘through whom it can be obtained. (2) We are unable to agree with your statement that ‘‘the lantern, as an enter‘tainer and for effects, has had its day." Could you see the vast number of admirable double and triple lanterns kept in stock at the leading establishments in London, all being specially intended for this purpose, your opinion would quickly undergo a change. (3) You quite misapprehend what Mr. Fletcher wrote. What he sought to convey and did convey was that the subjects to which he briefly referred would bear being elaborated. W. E. G.—(1) The distance between the lime and the jet cannot be determined by any hard and fast rule, it is governed to a great extent by the pressure of gas and the size of nipple. A trial will enable you to find the best distance suited to your.burner, probably about jin. (2) When the ! of gas. lime becomes pitted the light will become deteriorated; a fresh surface of lime should then be presented to the stream (3) We do not know the carrier by the name (Reliable) mentioned ; if you mean the ordinary sliding carrier for two pictures, it is an excellent kind. (4) Turn off oxygen first. (5) Scott’s warm air saturator. James Wright.—A concave lens would be useless—it would disperse the light. We do not understand clearly what part of lantern you want to improve. You speak of the concave lens being 3in. in diameter ; if the cundenser s the same, you cannot cover the corners of cushion mats. WW. C., Junr.—The tubes must be able to stand a certain amount of internal force, as the gas at jet is emitted at considerable pressure. Mr. J. H. Steward, 406, Strand, has a clip (which is sold for a few pence) for obviating the inconvenience of which you speak. See illustration and description in our issue of last September. A. Howe writes : Will you kindly inform methe quantity of chlorate of potash required to fill a 4ft. gas bag? Answer: About rlb. W. S.—See our back numbers, and “ Optical Projection (Longmans). G. Bennett.—The new form of lamp about which you inquire is not a commercial article ; you would require toget the apparatus made. A continuous light has been maintained for three hours by pouring a mixture of magnesium and sand from a reservoir into a flame. Lightning writes:(t) Howsmall could phosphorescence tubes he made to give enough light to read type ; and is luminous paint as made by the new German process to be obtained in England? (2) Is there such a thing as transparent looking glass ? (3) Can enlargements be madeon uranium, potassium, and ferrous (iron) paper ? (4) Where can I obtain efther a description (or the article itself) of a lantern called a lampadorama, which enables opaque as well astransparent slides to be projected? -Lnswer.—(1) Flattened tubes about a halfinch wide, excited by sunlight or magnesium, may answer. If it is your intention to try and read lantern lectures by this form of light it will not answer. We think that you could get the paint from Messrs. W. C. Horne, 6, Dowgate-hill, Cannon-street, E.C. Mr. T. Bolas, 8, Grove-terrace, Chiswick, London, W., is a consulting expert on this subject, and a professional consultation would enable you to obtain much valuable information. (2) Yes; by depositing silver upon glass just sufficiently thick to enable it to reflect and yet be transparent. (3) Yes; but a solar camera must be used. (4) We never heard of a lampadorama. Perhaps some reader may assist. A, Yardley.—We may have something tosay in next issue on cutting lamp wicks. 10: Mr. T. SMITH, of 28, Naval-row, Poplar, E., writes : ‘I see that on Christmas Day ‘The Brixton and Clapham Camera Club gave a lantern exhibition in the London Hospital. May I also state that one was given in the Currie Ward of the above building by myself, which gave immense satisfaction to the patients and nurses ?” Mr. D. W. Noakes, the popular lantern manufacturer, of Greenwich, some few months ago took an extensive river and canal trip in his steam launch, and having used his Key hand camera to advantage, has made an interesting collection of lantern slides, and has aiso written an amusing description of the journey. On Jan. 21 he gave at the Greenwich Library and Club a dioramic entertainment, entitled, “England Bisected with a Steam Launch,” at which were exhibited upwards of roo of the views. A large and appreciative audience were in attendance, and so universally was the entertainment enjoyed, that it is to be hoped Mr. Noakes may again favour the club, as such a good thing will bear repetition. Should Mr. Noakes decide to place the lecture and set upon the market it should have a large sale.