The Optical Magic Lantern Journal (February 1897)

24 The Optical Magic Lantern Journal and Photographic Enlarger. Acetylene Gas and Insurance. ANY fire insurance companies have lately made a ‘stand’ against insuring premises in which acetylene gas has been used, but now certain conditions have been imposed by them. These are to the effect that all apparatus and ingredients for the generation of acetylene must be in a building at least ten feet distant from any other ; that suitable valves for controlling the pressure be placed inside of this detached building, and that on the piping (outside) connecting the detached building with the premises to be illuminated, a cut-off tap must be placed where it is easy of access. Also that there must be some automatic device in connection with the piping in the building to be illuminated, so that should the acetylene gas exceed a certain pressure to the square inch, that the excess will, by means of an exit pipe, be allowed to escape into the open air. These conditions will appear very stringent to those who have had experience with acetylene gas, but we have no doubt that ‘“ vested interests ’ have much to do with the opposition that is met with in connection with the introduction of this valuable illuminant. Time, however, will level matters. “+ OBBD<Prominent Men in the Lantery World. No. 1V.—Mr. W. C. HUGHES. peed Ce HERE is only one ‘“‘ Hughes” who \éM2 takes a foremost part in the world eS \\ of lantern projection, and that is 5 “\ House, Mortimer “y) land, N. Before taking up the science oS” of optical projection, Mr. Hughes had Poa diversity of experiences, and before settling down in this line he had a varied career; he ventured on the stage both in the capacity of an amateur and professional, and from what the critics have said, he might have done great things in that direction. Extracts from two well-known journals, among a number of others, will suffice, viz. (Court Circular): “Considering that Mr. Hughes kept a very large audience delighted and amused for nearly three hours with dramatic readings, humorous songs, and a full programme of magic and mystery, that simple statement would alone i) Mr. W. C. Hughes, of Brewster | Road, Kings! cot stamp him as possessing dramatic and entertaining powers of no mean order.” (Pictorial World): “If Mr. Hughes had not already made a name as a scientist, he would have little difficulty in making a reputation as an entertainer.”’ Eventually he relinquished this, and established himselfasa chemist and dentist. Healsointended entering the medical profession for which he partially qualified, but being very sensitive the operating theatre had no charms for him; but optical projection, and the necessary apparatus with which to achieve best results, became pet subjects with Mr. Hughes, and the result of a few minor inventions of his in connection with this science found him rapidly becoming popular in that line, which was then, 1895. from a hobby, introduced into bis business. Finding himself in the very rut for which he was intended, he put all his energies in this direction, and novelty upon novelty was introduced by him in such a practicaland workmanlike manner that it was impossible that he could do otherwise than fall into the foremost ranks at an early period, at which time the other departments of the business were discontinued. It is quite needless to say that the single, bi-unial, and triple lanterns, which are made and supplied by Mr. Hughes, are of high quality and finish, and that his slides are coloured with exquisite taste, for this was