The projecting lantern, in its highest development, is a complicated and costly instrument, the different designs and constructions of which have received, each, a long and high-sounding name, the antepenultimate of which is usually of Greek or Latin origin, such as panopticon, sciopticon, stereopticon, etc., etc., and requiring such powerful illumination as can only be furnished by the oxy-hydrogen or calcium lights or electricity.
A new instrument, however, suitable both in cost and in means of illumination for amateurs and amateur societies, has lately been introduced by Messrs. E. & H. T. Anthony & Co., which, to be in the fashion, has received the name Triplexicon.
The Triplexicon is the perfection of oil-burning lanterns; in it refined petroleum oil is burned in a burner having three wicks; the centre wick being opposite the centre of the condensing lens, and in its optical axis, entirely removes the most objectionable fault of such lanterns, the central shadow or flare.
The Triplexicon, therefore, being of its class the most perfect instrument, and requiring little if any skill to manage it, becomes the appropriate instrument for the amateur photographer whereby to exhibit in a very acceptable manner the trophies of his skill in the use of the camera and alkaline pyro.
A gentleman thoroughly familiar with all the various modifications of the magic lantern, in describing the Triplexicon says of it:
"We have seen many lanterns in our time, and in p199 several respects this eclipses them all, especially those for use with kerosene oil only. The lamp itself is completely shielded with a well-made hood of Russia iron,
and is provided with the patent triplex wick, which affords the utmost illumination obtainable with any oil light. The back and front of the hood are closed interiorly by glass plates, specially annealed to withstand extreme heat, and the rear one is again closed by perforated sheet iron, covered interiorly with a highly polished metallic reflector, back of which is inserted an eye piece of ruby glass. The latter enables one to always observe the condition of the flame and wicks, and regulate them without disturbing or discontinuing the action of the instrument. The chimney is made telescopic, to pack more compactly."
"The diffusing lens, specially constructed for the purpose, is mounted on a cylindrical slide to extend, if p200 necessary, the focal distance, while the condensing lenses, which are of four inch diameter and can be separated for cleaning, are inserted in a corresponding slide within the wooden case.
"The case itself is quite compact, and appears very ornamental in its highly polished mahogany, with its little bronzed ventilators on either side at the bottom. The metal front is burnished and has a spiral spring adapter for the admission of the slides. A substantial wooden box contains all, and serves also as a table for the instrument while in use. Altogether this is the finest example of its kind we have yet seen; it will also serve admirably for enlargements with the gelatino-bromide paper."