P3D RE: Stereopticon vs. stereoscope

[Stephen Puckett <spuckett@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I have a reprint before me of the 1902 catalog of that esteemed 
purveyor of modern civilized taste: Sears, Roebuck, and Co.  They 
offer at least 1 'stereopticon' which is described in various
setups and kits.  The descriptions include 2 illustrations.   "The 
Enterprise stereopticon is the highest grade of lantern made."  The 
description says that it "projects a clear and Brilliant Picture 10 
feet square'.  All descriptions are of single-lensed projectors.   
There seems to be no reference to the 'stereo-' part of the 
'stereopticon'.  There was no discussion of fading or dissolving 
capabilities.   They also sell many sets of 'stereopticon slides' 
or 'stereopticon views' which all appear to be rectangular. 

On another page are offered several 'juvenile magic lanterns'.  The 
slides seem all to be round.  You order slide sets by diameter to 
match your magic lantern.  The largest projected picture is 5 feet. 

On yet another page are offered 'stereoscopes' which appear to be 
the Holmes type.  The most expensive, "...in fact, the best 
Stereoscope made.", is priced at $1.87.  Also offered are many sets 
of 'stereoscopic views' for the stereoscopes - these are prices at 
$0.36 to $0.95 per dozen.

In summary, the 1902 Sears did not confuse stereopticon with 
stereoscope.  Perhaps by this year, Sears considered a 
'stereopticon' to be any kind of large magic lantern.



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