The Optical Magic Lantern Journal (February 1896)

20 The Optical Magic Lantern Journal and Photographic Enlarger. In answer to the question how far this new photography could be useful in surgery and medicine, he replied: ‘‘There is no doubt that in those cases in which solid metal bodies in the body such as bullets and needles are suspected, and in those cases in which it is necessary to follow the directions of fractures and dislocations, it will be found of great use in surgery ; but in these cases its application is, unfortunately, very limited, for only the hands, feet, and forearm can be thus photographed, since the other parts are too thick and impenetrable for this form of light to allow of any definition being seen.” It is said by the Germans that this form of light is not refrangible; in other words, it cannot be brought to a focus by a lens, and the reason appears to be that the molecules of the silicon of the glass do not allow the light to pass between them, and which is, therefore, entirely absorbed, so that to this light, glass is opaque, and itis possible that a lens of charcoal, aluminium, glucinium, or sulphur might focus rays of this light in the same way that glass refracts visible rays. Should Mr. Johnson’s supposition prove correct, the refractive index of a large number of elements and compounds will be able to be determined, which would greatly increase our knowledge of the composition and atomic behaviour of bodies. It is interesting to know that Messrs. Newton & Co., of Fleet Street, have just placed on the market a number of lantern slides showing photographs taken under the above conditions. —:0:—-— The Late Mr. E. G. Wood. Deata has removed from ‘our midst Mr. EH. G. Wood, whose premises at 74, Cheapside are well known to users of lanterns and other scientific apparatus. On Saturday, the 11th ult., he passed quietly away, after a brief indisposition, at a ripe old age. Mr. Wood was born at Islington in 1811, and in his early days was engaged in wood carving, notably at the City churches and at Windsor Castle, but having a strong scientific tendency, he commenced the manufacture of scientific apparatus, in partnership with three of his brothers. After a time he accepted the managership of optical works which were opened at Newgate Street, which firm, on the retirement of the owner, blossomed into Messrs. Horne, Thornthwaite & Wood. Eventually, Mr. Wood made another change, viz., to commence business independently, and he opened the well-known premises at Cheapside. It is but a few months ago since Mr. Wood relinquished the entire management of the business to his son, Mr. A. A. Wood, who, needless to say, has been the right hand supporter for a number of years past, and to whose efforts and reputation are due the credit of successfully conducting one of the largest businesses in the optical line. Whenever the late Mr. Wood came across a deserving case for help, he was the first to put his hand in his pocket to render assistance, for his ideas of charity always took a practical turn. Thus, by a judicious expenditure, and a little of what may be termed influence, he has been the means of ultimately raising many whose hopes had practically forsaken them, and many prosperous business men at the present day look back upon Mr. Wood as their friend, for it is ‘‘the friend in need who is the friend indeed.” ——:0:-—— Adapting Miniature Slides to a Full-Sized Lantern. In course of a communication from Mr. Stocks, of Rye, we learned what, doubtless, many other fathers have ascertained with regard to their children, viz., that youngsters up to a certain age, who possess a toy lantern, much prefer their own slides to those used by their elders— in fact, their slides (cheap rubbish might, perhaps, be a fitting name) possess a charm which others do not. About this season paterfamilias often treats his children to a party, at which these slides must be shewn. It is quite evident that Mr. Stocks has lately hada hand in this sort of thing, and that one of his juveniles insisted upon him running the toy lantern. Mr. Stocks, with his vast lantern experience, officiating at a toy lantern would indeed seem strange; yet wishing to enter into the spirit of the thing, he consented to use his own lantern, but their slides, and in order to do so, he devised a carrier similar to that shown in the cut, and found it so successful that he mentioned the matter to us. We in turn, when we