William Hillman's
EduTech Research Project
Presents
THE MAGIC LANTERN
Magic Lantern: an early form of projector, throwing an enlarged image of a transparency on a white screen.

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These early projectors were called Magic Lanterns because the early audiences did not understand where those colourful images on the wall or on the screen came from. The magic lantern was invented in the mid-17th century, possibly by Dutch scientist Christiaan Huygens.

Until the second half of the 18th century magic lanterns were mostly used by scientists but entrepreneurs eventually saw the business potential in the invention and they were soon adapted for entertainment and educational use.

A great number of variations evolved, from small toy lanterns for children to large models for theatrical spectacles and instructional sessions. The most common materials used in their construction were mahogany and brass. The Magic Lantern found major acceptance at the Chicago Columbian Exposition in 1893 where Thomas Edison introduced a model with a number of improvements. The Expo was one of the most important events of the 19th century. It showcased a barrage of information, technological progress, invention, entertainment, amazement, and sensation. Teams of artists and showmen presented a mixture of amusement, art, technology and science.

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MAGIC LANTERN COMPONENTS

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a. objective or projection lens
b. focus knob (moves the lenses to focus the image by a rack and pinion system)
c. filter slot (e.g. for a coloured glass filter)
d. flap (to soften the light)
e. condenser housing with condenser lenses (to condense the light in an efficient way onto the slide)
f. chimney or cowl (to provide an updraft for oil burning illuminants and to carry off smoke and heat)
g. Side-opening door (adjustments to the burner were made through here) - many were provided with an inspection window fitted with dark tinted glass
h. illuminant (candles, burning oil, limelight from lime heated with oxygen and hydrogen gasses or electricity)
i. lamp house
j. hinged back
k. ventilation slots
l. slide stage that holds the wooden slide carrier.
Many magic lanterns used a parabolic mirror at the back, to reflect the light of the burner, and sometimes a heat-absorbing filter in front of the lamp.
Most lanterns are mounted on a baseboard, often with adjustable legs on the front.

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SLIDES

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The slides were initially hand painted on strips of glass. Later printed transfers were placed on the glass. Usually four or five round images were printed on a single strip. Some lanterns showed images from a glass disc. When photography was introduced the image was printed directly onto the glass and often hand-tinted. Slides were often placed in a mahogany frame.

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EDUCATION

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As the quality of the magic lantern increased it was used more and more for education. A tremendous variety of topics were produced for classroom instruction. It was an extremely effective educational tool from the end of the19th century through to the start of the Second World War. Catalogues from these years mention hundreds of slide series about countless topics and for almost all school subjects. Images of far-off lands were abundant. Costumed models posed in scenes or locations to illustrate narratives, songs and other texts.

Lanternists also travelled to theatres, churches, pubs and fairgrounds to present entertaining shows -- even incorporating postcards and stereoscopic images. A typical show opened to exhibit the latest news: earthquakes, mine catastrophes and railway accidents, or journeys to other countries, cityscapes, national costumes, etc. The program might offer themes such as: The Dogs and Monks of St. Bernard, Images of Christmas, Two Merry Monday Holders, Royal Coronations, Bob the Fireman, Life of the Red Brigade, Living in the Slums of London, Voyages Unusual Parts of the World, The Last Expedition to the North Pole, Danger at Sea and The Revenge of the Monkey.
 

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TYPICAL THEMES & TITLES OF MAGIC SLIDE SHOW PROGRAMS

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TO THE CENTURY PROJECT
The 20th Century Popular Media and Instructional Technologies Research Project
INTRODUCTION

Genesis: Part I Chicago's Columbian Exposition of 1893	Genesis II: Authors | Burroughs  Illustrated Bios ~ Biblios ~ e-Texts	Genesis III: Authors Expanded London | King | Grey
Genesis IV: Back to the Future Early Predictions of Future Technologies	Genesis V: Stereoviews Projectors, Viewers & 3-D Cards	Genesis VI: Magic Lanterns Projectors & Slide Shows

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