The Optical Magic Lantern Journal (August 1895)

130 The Optical Magic Lantern Journal and Photographic Enlarger. An Astronomical! Lantern. WuaeEn one speaks of the lantern for use in class-rooms, 1t 1s generally understood that in this case an elaborate optical or magic lantern is implied, but from particulars given in the Scientific American, it will be seen that an efficient instrument for certain purposes can be constructed at little cost, yet will be very effectual for demonstrating to a small class. The paper explains that: With the simple form of lantern shown in the illustration, and easily made small maps or charts of the star groups, a great deal of instruction and entertainment may be realised. The lantern body may be of tin or wood, with | flues to afford the necessary ventilation, and in one side has slideways, to facilitate the placing of the diminutive star charts in position in the side of the lantern. The lantern may be readily carried in the hand, and an illuminated tomed to attend them, are able to testify. Although the modern lecture may or may not be as good as the lecture of days gone by, there is no doubt that the modern exhibition accompanying the lecture is generally vastly inferior to the exhibition of years ago. Things belonging to the past are often surrounded with a halo of glory by the rising generation, who wag their heads at each other and talk in regretful accents of the ‘good old days,’ days about which, after all, there is no advantage except that they are past and done with; but with the lantern exhibition of a certain period in the past, the case is different. I propose to sum up a few of the causes which ' have led to the lantern at this end of the century being in such evil case, but inso doing, : do not wish to cast aspersion on the efforts of ' those who have placed this instrument within : the reach of the many. Looking back about five chart thus representing any particular group of . stars in the heavens greatly facilitates the , > vie’ ' other on panoramic slides upwards of two feet finding of the group, furnishing most interesting and very simple star lessons. For the charts or maps, a simple blue print is found quite sufficient, where regularly prepared slides are not obtainable, and such prints may be made from originals observer, or copied from any of the numerous publications in which star maps are given. — io The Decline of Lantern Lectures. By THE SHOWMAN. Ir has lately been stated that lantern lectures have declined in popular estimation; that this is to a great extent true, those who are accus and-forty years, we find very few lanterns made and sold commercially, and these few mostly oil-lit instruments, intended for use chiefly in the family circle. Photography, at that time, being little more than a curiosity, the slides used with such lanterns were cheap hand paintings, mostly of the ‘‘comic’”’ order. I have written ‘‘cheap,’’ I should have written ‘‘ cheap for the times,’ as these slides sometimes turn up nowadays at sales of antiquated household effects, and are often found marked in plain figures at prices which would make the modern lanternist’s hair stand on end. At this time there were few travelling exhibitors, and as there was no standard size of slide, each man had his apparatus made, and views painted to order, adopting that size of slide and method of working which he considered -most suitable. Sometimes, instead of single pictures, the views were merged into each in length, which, exhibited through the screen, _ produced.an effect very similar to the modern prepared by the | canvas panorama. These exhibitors were few and far between, because their outfit necessarily represented considerable capital; in fact, they succeeded financially according as they possessed capital combined with energy and business ability. Limelight was used in one form or another, and, the venture being worth the risk, no expense was spared to make it a success. Some years later the development of photography brought about the introduction of photographic slides of the present standard size, and the old exhibitors soon found themselves competing with a host of others who exhibited the less expensive photo slides with