The Magic Lantern: Its Construction and Use

The very scarce second edition of Perken, Son and Rayment's guide to the magic lantern, which they produced and sold, under the brand name 'Optimus'. The second edition of this work, first published in 1888, and very scarce in all editions.With explanatory vignette illustrations throughout.Originally just an importer, the company became a maker of cameras, lenses and other photographic equipment, including studio and darkroom apparatus. The company also made magic lanterns and accessories, telescopes, binoculars, surveying and other scientific equipment.This work explains the construction and use of the magic lantern, an early form of image projector, used for education and entertainment purposes in the nineteenth century. In an 1890 review, the Sunday Times commended the work for giving 'exhaustive instruction for drawing room and public exhibitions, whether the instrument be illuminated by oil lamp or oxy-hydrogen gas'.Undated; dated 1890 via Jisc.With twelve pages of publisher's advertisements to the rear.A wonderfully descriptive and very scarce guide to the magic lantern, explaining its construction and use. In the publisher's original pictorial cloth binding. Externally, bright, with ink spots to perimeters of front board. Internally, firmly bound. Pages lightly age toned, but generally clean and bright. Very Good.…