The Optical Magic Lantern Journal (May 1901)

60 The Optical Magic Lantern Journal and Photographic Enlarger. interests of Messrs: Locke, Haigh, Woodruff'-& Malden, dispute the right of these persons, whoever they may be, to use the said testimonials which were written to me personally. by these gentlemen, and I have now in my possession some of the originals. Furthermore, I have absolute proof that the lime they are now using in their manufacture is not from the same source as that used by me three years ago. I now publicly request these people to withdraw these testimonials. Yours faithfully, T, S. WHITEHALL. 2, Lavender Street, ; Nottingham. “LATE OF THE ROYAL POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTION.” To Mr. J. Hay Taylor, Editor. Dear Sir,—I have been much amused by an article under the above title in your April number. If there are any lecturers or operators at the present time so illadvised as to put ‘ Late of the Royal Polytechnic” after their names, let me counsel them to discontinue doing so without delay. The ‘‘Poly"' came to grief in 1882; few of the stafl even at that time were ‘ chickens,” or it might have been better for the institution. There were many, doubtless, who, during its existence, traded upon their connection with the ‘ Poly,” but it is difficult to understand what advantage it could possibly be now. During the last twenty years science and education have made rapid strides; many things then regarded as mysterious could now be easily explained by an average schoolboy—pictures that then were considered “ wonderful '' would now be considered ‘‘ very ordinary” indeed; and I fail to see what any sane individual could now possibly expect to gain by claiming to have been connected with the poor old ‘Poly.’ As to ‘ others being unable to secure the favourable attention of the public. by their own unaided endeavours bedecking themselves in the borrowed plumes of the Royal ‘ Polytechnic,’ and the fable of the ‘Ass in the Lion's Skin’” —twaddle.. If any entertainers advertising now really had anything to do with the old institution, they had better conceal the fact, or their chances of engagements will be extremely small. Yours truly, FOOTLIGHTS. To Mr. J. Hay Taylor, Editor. Drarn Sir,—Anent. the topic which has lately appeared in the Oprican Macic Lantern JOURNAL relative to certain persons styling themselves “late of the Royal Polytechnic,’’ I may mention that there are quite a number of lanternists who put after their names “late of the Polytechnic.’’ On investigation, I find that this means that they have had an engagement at one of the now many Polytechnics which are in existence. True it would have been more honest on their part had they been a little more explicit, and put, for instance, late of the Borough Polytechnic. Late of ‘‘The”’ Polytechnic to the past generation meant something wonderful, something very scientific, something Pepper’s ghostified; but nowadays to the present generation, we young men look upon late of this or that as something which may or may not be exactly true, but which serves the purpose of a stimulating advertisement. Things will not bear too strict an enquiry nowadays—from the ‘Government downwards. . Yours truly, é “JUST OF AGE,” RISE SE SK SESE SEE ESE SESE SE ME FA] | . F i ‘ y p Notes and Queries: oF ERS SESE SEIESE SESE EEE ESE A) Amateur Slide Maker.—We know nothing of the preparation you mention, the name is only a trade name. Instead of the varnish you have been using try some Damar varnish and allow it to remain some considerable time before completing the operation of stripping. Supplies may be obtained from Ed, Liesegang, Dusseldorff, Germany. Jas. S. Lawson.—We think that Messrs. Newton & Co. are the most likely firm to supply you with slides for your special lecture. They make a speciality of such subjects. Theo. Brown,—Thanks for the model of the silhouette slide which appears in this iasue. We have tried it and it looks excellent on the screen. A.C. Furnas.—The lenses about which you enquire are good value for the money, they are mostly of French make, but some are better than others, although all look practically the same. With lenses by the high-class makers in this country, z.e., those who put their names on, you can depend on everyone, as each is tested individually. We have a Darlot, but would not think of exchanging it on any point for the make first mentioned. With Beard’s dissolving carrier the working is as follows :—Immediately beside the slide showing on the screen the second slide is slipped, the first is then withdrawn, and the second immediately jumps into the exact focus. The movement is very quick. A pneumatic carrier was some time ago introduced by Hudlass & Son, of Southport. A translucent shutter gives a blink in front of the lens, and during that blink the slide changes in the carrier, which is of the sliding style. A slide is placed in the end of carrier during the time one is being shown. When ready for the change a ball is squeezed, the light gives a blink, and another picture has taken the place of the first. We believe the apparatus costs 17s. 6d. The effect is good. We note your remarks about tbe Chicago firm having brought out a new lamp. You will see we were quite up to date in the matter, for when your letter arrived our last issue had gone to press and it contained full details and sketch. We shall be plcased to hear from you again, note our private address on the first page of this issue. F, Bramwood.—We are sorry we are unable to give the address of the firm asked for. W.—Your letters to hand. The history is most peculiar. R. T.—We are unable to supply the address, as the gentleman about whom you enquire died at the Charterhouse last year. He has done no business for many years, Mrs, B.—According to merit we in the following order :—3, 1, 5, 4, 2. should arrange Professor.—We note that you take exception to our stating that acetylene gas will not answer for public cinematographic exhibitions, and that you say it will illuminate an 8 feet cinematographic picture. True, it will illuminate it, but the illumination will be a very sad affair. We must adhere to what we said on the subject. ;