stereopticon (stĕrēŏpˈtĭkən) [key], optical projection instrument making multiple use of the magic lantern. The magic lantern uses lenses to throw on a screen a magnified image from a transparent slide or from an opaque object such as a photograph or the page of a book. The stereopticon combines two or three magic lanterns to focus, in the same area of light on the screen or wall, dissolving views or combinations of images.
The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2012, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.