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Phan-tasma-go′ri-a.

An optical effect produced by a machine similar to a magic-lantern, except that instead of the figures being painted on transparent glass, the glass is painted black on all parts except that occupied by the figures, which are painted in transparent colors, and all the light transmitted is through the figures. The image is thrown upon a screen of thin silk placed between the spectators and the lantern. By moving the instrument towards or from the screen, the figures are made to diminish or increase in size.

Dissolving views are produced by the employment of two lanterns of equal size and power, so arranged that the circle of light transmitted from each shall fall upon the same part of the screen. A perforated plate with a crescent-shaped opening is adjusted so that as light is admitted to the slider of one lantern it is shut off from the other, the first picture disappearing as the second becomes illuminated. See dissolving view.

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