The Art of projection and complete magic lantern ... - Yesterday Image

40The illustration explains the plan of this lantern sufficiently, and iscalled "The Skeleton" Triple. It is 20 lbs. less in weight when comparedto a similar lantern of ordinary construction. The height alsois some 10 inches less, bringing the lens tubes considerably closertogether. Each lantern has a separate hood or cone to cover the lightand condenser, with sufficient arrangements for ventilation, and a dooris attached for access to the lime; the whole of which is detachablefor cleaning.At the present time there seems to be a demand for portable lanterns, nodoubt to a travelling exhibitor a heavy triple is a consideration, butas tripled are made in all grades and weights to suit the users' convenience,they can be built accordingly.Often for the sake of portability a biunialonly is used, yet a conveyance must be taken to transport it about, thisbeing the case, another 10 or lalbs. extra cannot make any difference, andallows the third lantern to be used in emergency, also the advantageof the use of the higher class effects, which are the parts most appreciatedof an exhibition, when well manipulated, this alone more than compensatesfor the littleextra weight.ALUMINIUM.This metal has considerably fallen in price of late years, and when itreaches within a reasonable price of brass, it may be used for lanternwork. To substitute aluminium for brass in this lantern would reduce itto nearly half its present weight. Aluminium at present is a third morein cost than brass, also a third less in weight ;being such a tough metalit is very hard to work, and costs much more to work up than brass.Therefore to substitute aluminium for brass in a Triple lantern is notpracticable at present.DIORAMIC EFFECTS.With all the increase in instruments for the furtherance andproduction of effects, there seems a general disregard on the part oflanternists for that magnificent illusion of dioramic effects. It is a greatregret that such an entertaining and beautifulbranch of lantern work isso neglected, which has only come about since the decline of the" Royal Polytechnic." Considering the number of triple and biuniallanterns used, it is surprising that the owners do not put them to theirintended use. There are a number of lanternists who still appreciatethe beauty and interest aroused by this charming branch of lantern work,such workers spare no pains in making an exhibition what it should be.There is no reason why, every owner of a triple, should not produce thesame style of effects, as the most popular lanternist, if only he will do