INTRODUCTION. 



THE SCIOPTICON (pronounced Si-op-ti-con), is by far 

 the most convenient and easily managed of any form of 

 Magic Lantern. Its ridge of wide, intensified double 

 flame, lying lengthwise in the axis of the condensing 

 lenses, gives it much greater efficiency than any other 

 lamp-illuminated lantern. 



All who have become acquainted with this new in- 

 strument, see in it the accomplishment of what has long 

 been greatly desired by those who appreciate the value 

 of visible illustrations as a means of imparting instruc- 

 tion and of affording rational amusement. 



Confessedly, the medieval magicians with their lan- 

 terne magique effected little good by their incantations 

 and ghostly spectres. But modern educators have 

 higher aims and better means at hand. Their lenses 

 are greatly improved in form and quality. The pho- 

 tographer secures images of all that is interesting or 



(xi) 



