Projection lantern, 1825 - 1875

Inv V12287The magic lantern is the precursor of the slide projector. It was probably developed around 1650. Christiaan Huygens was certainly one of the first to experiment with it.The lanterns were usually equipped with an oil lamp and a lens. A picture drawn on glass was then projected on a wall or curtain with it. The lanterns were mainly for entertainment. Fairground entertainers travelled round with them and also showed the pictures in people's homes.In the nineteenth century the magic lantern developed in two directions. Cheap tin models for home use appeared. In addition more expensive models were produced with gaslight and multiple lenses for demonstrations. These might be for entertainment, such as for example kaleidoscopic projections or visual effects. But the projection lantern was also used for instruction, with for example a moving depiction of our solar system.