18 



could be shown than in the number of imitations that have 

 sprung up, more or less copied from it. 



One departure from the Marcy form of wick is found in 

 these, viz., that of dividing it at oue end, which I think to 

 be a mistake, as it nullifies the chief feature in the Sciopti- 

 con, and is really bringing us partly back to the old circular 

 or broad wick, besides other disadvantages. On my return 

 from America I tried a variety of forms of wicks as well as 

 the triple, but came to the conclusion that no improvement 

 was effected. 



There are also new forms of lanterns in the market, but 

 on examination they will all be found to have some parts 

 copied from Marcy 's Sciopticon. 



At a late conversatione of the Philosophical and Literary 

 Society of Leeds, England, a distinguished lecturer opened 

 as follows : 



MR. PRESIDENT, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: I have 

 the pleasure, this evening, to introduce to your notice the 

 most charming and effective piece of educational apparatus 

 it was ever my good fortune to possess. * * * The 

 appropriate name of Sciopticon has happily been given to 

 this latest and best form of lantern, and in it I recognize 

 alike emancipation from all its ungainly, troublesome pre- 

 decessors, and a suitable designation by which to class it 

 with our most useful scientific instruments. To point out 

 and explain all the excellencies of this charming little 

 instrument would require a special lecture. At present, 

 suffice it to say, it is packed in a neat, small case, which 

 can be easily carried in the hand. It can be taken out and 

 set up in action in less than five minutes, and, when the 

 lecture is over, can as soon be packed up. 



