The Optical Magic Lantern Journal (May 1896)

90 The Optical Magic Lantern Journal and Photographic Enlarger. To the Editor. Dear Sir,—There are several four wind mills in this locality ; one at Sandhurst (about 15 miles from here) has five sweeps. There is a water mill at Bodiam. If Mr, Bennett pays a visit to Rye this summer, I will willingly give him all the information I can respecting their whereabouts, &c. Yours truly, W. STOCKS. Rye, Sussex, To the Editor. Sir, — Your Liverpool correspondent who in this month's journal asks for information about ancient water and flour mills existing in various parts of the country, may be interested to know that in Orkney and Shetland he will find, still in use, mills of the most primitive construction for grinding oats and bear. They are locally termed clack mills. There is one in the parish of Birsay | in Orkney. The building is quite small, not above 18 feet by 10 feet. The water wheel, about 4 or 5 feet in diameter, is horizontal, with an iron spindle which, passing through the lower millstone, is firmly fixed in | the upper one. From the upper stone projects a piece of wood, which on such revolution of the stone strikes | the ‘feeder,’ and from the clacking sound thus produced these mills acquired their name. I have not been able to procure a photograph of any of these mills, or I would willingly have sent one for insertion in your correspondent’s ‘‘ History of British Corn Mills.” Tam, etc., AN OLD PHOTOGRAPHER. Orkney, April, 1896. 20% Notes and Queries. D, J. Lewis.—The quantity of gas mentioned may last out the time with care, and if you use a screw-down valve instead of the automatic regulator you will be able to get practically all the gas from the cylinder. E.N.—To remove the film of negative from the glass support, leave it to soak ina dilute solution of hydrochloric or nitric acid, and assist with a little manipulation. C. writes :—Can you tell me if the Hill-Norris lantern plates are still made? I have been informed that the Hill Company is not now in existence, Reply.—The Birmingham Dry Plate Company, of Yardley, Birmingham, used to make these plates, but we understand the firm ceased to exist more than a year ago; but a new company (the Hill-Norris Plate Company), has taken the business over, and they can again be obtained from most dealers. Try Whittingham & Co., 91, Gracechurch Street, as this is a few doors from your address. J, P. Lewis.—Use one half of the condenser, keeping the convex side next to the stage which you are illuminating, and adjust the distance of jet from condenser until the desired area is covered with light. T. 4. L.—See illustrated article in this issue. Please note that we have removed our offices to 9, Carthusian Street, E.C. T. W. Hughes.—Mr. Wilkie’s series of articles on “ Optical Illusions ” will be found in this journal for September, October, November, and December, 1894, and January, February, March, and April, 1895. H. Tower.—Since fyou ‘purchased the cylinder, compressers have resorted to a higher standard of test, and , although yours stood it a few years ago, it it evident that it will not the present test. Many cylinders were thus rendered practically useless, and the makers wishing to mcet the holders, offered to Supply an up-todate one at reduced price. P. J. Lekman.—(1, 2) We have nevet used a tank similar to that to which you allude. (3) The diameter of tube can be the same. (4) Yes, by making it taller. (5) Mr. Blaker, Boro’ Studio, Worthing. (6) We should think that Mr. Stedman's apparatus described in this issue is just the thing you want. (Sce his advertisement.) IT. J. Walker.—See article in this journal for December last. There is very little pressure. Flannel and tin will do, and shape is a mere matter of taste. Thanks . for suggestion ; will use it shortly. P. 8S. writes :—Several people appear to be the inventors of what is called living photographs projected on the screen. I have been told of four. eS Surely they cannot all have invented it. Which one is the inventor? dns.—Neither of those you mention. The inventor is Mr. Friese Green, and in this journal for November, 1889 and April, 1890, you will find the first information on this subject that was ever published. The parties you mention have brought out modified apparatus for projecting the pictures, and that is all. G. H, Philip.—(1) Re Bude light. This consists of two or three conccntric Argand burners, into which is introduced a stream of oxygen. (2) Zirconia can hardly be said to be generally used for the purpose, but there are a few who use it principally for microscopic work, Achromatic.-—(1) The larger diameter will have the advantage. (2) In very long focus lenses there is practically no advantage. Volume.—-We can supply back numbers at usual price, plus postage. ‘0: Tue Lantern Socrsty.—A few weeks ago Mr. W. Lamond Howie, F.C.S., lectu::d before the Lantern Society, his subject being what he called ‘ The Scottish Alps.” This, and the preceding demonstration of the new photography by Mr. Snowdon Ward, together with that of Mr. Freshwater, have been the successes of the season; the interest excited was keen and sustained, the audience crowding the meeting-room at 20, Hanover Square, to its fullest capacity. The glen, river, loch, and mountain scenery of the western highlands were illustrated by about 150 slides of the highest photographic merit. The spring snows on Ben Nevis and other hills appeared on the screen with quite a startling fidelity to nature; peaks scared, precipices frowned, lakes mirrored their surrounding beauties, and over all were some wonderful effects of cloud and broken sunshine, The figure subjects were fullof human nature—Highland lassies—peat gatherers, fisher folk, and cottagers—old smugglers, illicit still keepers and deer stalkers—introduced to the audience in Mr. Howie's own graphic and humorous style, increased the popular interest of the evening. The electric light, just presented to the society by its chairman, Mr. Vezey, was used in the lantern with the best results. On the 27th ult., Mr. T. E. Freshwater, F.R.M.S., F.R.P.S., gave a popular lecture on stereoscopic projection, using appliances similar to those described on page 21 of the OpticaL Macic Lanrern Journat for February. In addition to this Mr. Freshwater gave an entertaining talk, ‘Among the bees with a camera,” illustrating same with a choice selection of photographic lantern slides.