P3D Short History of Stereo Projection

[fj834@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Dr. George A. Themelis)]

Can anyone guess how old is stereo projection?  The answer can be found in
the fascinating book "The Stereoscope and Stereoscopic Photography" by F.
Drouin, published in 1894 in London (translated from French Edition). 
Reprints of this book are available from Reel 3-D.  

In page 81 under the title "Stereoscopes of Projection" we read:

"Stereoscopes of projection are constructed for the purpose of allowing
several persons to examine the same stereograph, so magnified that all the
details may be seen at a distance.  Three kinds of instruments have been
constructed up to present:
1. Stereoscopes for coloured pictures
2. Eclipse stereoscopes
3. Stereoscopes for use with polarized light"

Let me bring this to modern terms:  Stereosopes of projection = stereo
projectors.1. Stereoscopes for coloured pictures = anaglyph projection
2. Eclipse stereoscopes = alternating projection via mechanical shutters
3. Stereoscopes for use with polarized light = Polarized projection

According to the author, anaglyph projection was "rediscovered" by
D'Almeida in 1858 (it was described a few years earlier by Rollman). 
Alternating projection was described by D'Almeida (1858) and was
demonstrated in the Royal Society of London in 1886 by Stroh.  Polarized
projection was invented by Mr. John Anderson (no date given, so we can
assume it is close to the publication of the book).  It uses glass
polarizers in the two lanterns (equivalent to projector) and the viewer
wears two nicols prisms mounted in a short of opera glasses.  I can imagine
the weight and expense of these glasses.  Practical polarized projection
became feasible in the 1930's when Edwin H. Land found an inexpensive way
to produce plastic polarizing filters.  The first TDC projector (116) was
introduced in 1949.

So stereo projection dates from the 1850s.  Wow!!!

Why this glimpse in the past?  I am getting ready for a workshop on stereo
projection in our Cleveland stereo club meeting, to take place in about 2
1/2 hours!   

Regards -- George Themelis


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