Glass slide projector (‘magic lantern’)

Glass slide projector (‘magic lantern’)

The magic lantern was an early type of image projector that used pictures—paintings, prints, or photographs—on transparent plates (usually made of glass), one or more lenses, and a light source. It was mostly developed in the 17th century and commonly used for entertainment purposes. It was increasingly used for education during the 19th century. Around the mid-20th century, glass slide projects were superseded by more compact versions that could hold multiple 35 mm photographic slides. This particular model is from the 1950s. It is accompanied by a wooden carrying box, in which slides were arranged and carried in the desired order to be presented on the screen.

http://digitalcollections.aucegypt.edu/digital/collection/p15795coll30/search

circa 1950

The projector was originally used in teaching by faculty in the department of Islamic Art and Architecture, and retained as a artefacte in the upgrade process. Some glass slides from the period are available as part of the Islamic Art & Architecture Slides digital collection.