Optical Collection (page 24)

Untouchable Flowers
This optical trick gives the illusion of a vase of flowers, thanks to projection from a mirror

Wife and Mother-In-Law
An early example of the classic trick image depicting both a pretty young woman and a less attractive older lady in one picture

Optical Telegraph
Optical telegraph used by cadets at the French military academy of Saint-Cyr

Military Telegraph
Optical and electric telegraphy used by the French army. Specialists are trained to use the Morse code by day or night

Entomological Lecture
Scientific use of the magic lantern at an entomological conference, Paris

River Nile Delta and Suez Canal, Egypt, satellite image. North is at top. Water is black, vegetation is green and arid land is brown. The image data has been decorrelated to enhance the colours

Candles on a cake, Schlieren image. The candle flames (white, lower centre) are heating air that is seen coiling (blue, red and yellow) as it rises

Fornax A galaxy. Combined optical (white) and radio (orange) image of the galaxy Fornax A (NGC 1316, centre). The smaller galaxy NGC 1317 is above it

Edisons Kinetophonogrph
EDISONs KINETO-PHONOGRAPH which linked photographic impressions with the phonograph in one combination: " Its possibilities are almost inexhaustible"

Shutter Telegraph C18Th
An optical telegraph system, using 6 shutters

DIORAMA
At its simplest, the diorama consists of one or more pictures wound on a spool which is turned to give the spectators the illusion of passing through a landscape

Multiple Light Source
The Dancing Devil illusion is created by using multiple lights to project the image onto a screen, where spectators see it replicated

Optical Illusion / Ghost
An optical illusion on stage give the effect of a ghost on stage during a play

Projecting Praxinoscope2
Reynauds praxinoscope or Theatre Optique gives the illusion of movement by a rapid succession of images : the audience are seated on the other side of the screen

J. Kay Barrister / Client
An optical trick. One way up you can see a portrait of a smiling barrister but if you turn it upside down, you can see a disgruntled client

Chappe Optical Telegraph
The optical telegraph of Claude Chappe and his brother, erected on the Eglise de Montmartre, is tested by the French authorities and his system is widely adopted

Magic Lantern / Lefebure
A Lefebure Lantern

Magic Lantern / Lampascope
A Lampascope Lantern

Phanakistoscope
Plateaus Phenakistoscope - a variant of the zootrope, in which the images, seen through slits, seem to move when the disc is rotated

Newtons reflecting telescope
Sir Isaac Newtons reflecting telescope

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"Exploring the Mysteries of the Optical Universe: From Orion Nebula to Northern Lights" Step into a world where beauty and wonder collide, as we delve into the captivating realm phenomena. The breathtaking Orion Nebula unveils its celestial secrets, showcasing a cosmic ballet of Blossom and Decay. Behold the mesmerizing Nebula Sh 2-106 in all its glory, captured by the Hubble Space Telescope's keen eye. Its ethereal hues paint an otherworldly canvas that transports us to distant galaxies. But it's not just far-off wonders that captivate our gaze; closer to home, nature puts on its own spectacular light show with the enchanting dance of the Northern Lights. A sight so magical, it leaves us awestruck at Earth's natural marvels. Through an optical lens, we peer into space and witness Sirius shining brightly amidst a sea of stars. The star filter reveals its true radiance, reminding us of our infinitesimal place in this vast universe. The spiral galaxy M81 beckons us further into deep space with its stunning composite image. Its swirling arms tell tales of cosmic evolution and remind us that even galaxies are subject to change. Venturing deeper still, we encounter the enigmatic Horsehead Nebula—a dark silhouette against a backdrop of stellar brilliance—an enigma waiting to be unraveled. Andromeda Galaxy awaits our exploration next—the closest spiral galaxy to our Milky Way—inviting us to ponder what lies beyond our familiar celestial neighborhood. Intriguingly intertwined within this tapestry is also human ingenuity—the University of Oxford's College serves as a cradle for knowledge seekers who unravel these mysteries day by day. Meanwhile, Chadburn Brothers' Albion Works stands as testament to humanity's pursuit in crafting precise optical instruments that unlock new realms for discovery.