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Booklets
by Tom Tag - Fresnel Lenses & Lighting...
For additional items please
see our many other pages as well.
~ Early American Lighthouse Illumination ~
Thomas Tag has long been probably the only authority on lamps, lens
apparatus and illumination for lighthouses, with his articles on the
subject appearing in our catalogue, as well as the U. S. Lighthouse
Society’s Keeper’s Log, Lighthouse Digest and other publications.
Now Tom has put together much of this information in seven publications
which detail the entire subject, from lamps and fuels, to burners, lens
apparatus, manufacturing processes and more. This is a superb collection
that answers the questions that many of us have been asking for some
time, and will serve as a reference on the subject for years to come.
Each of the booklets includes a complete set of footnotes defining the
sources of the data for those interested in further research.
Cost $26
each or quantity discounts available (see bottom).
Publications include:
The
Clock Without Hands.
Thomas Tag has long been probably the only authority on lamps, lens apparatus
and illumination for lighthouses, with his articles on the subject appearing in
our catalogue, as well as the U. S. Lighthouse Society’s Keeper’s Log,
Lighthouse Digest and other publications. Now Tom has added still another volume
to his list of publications – The Clock Without Hands. This detailed account
covers a long neglected area of lighthouse equipment – the mechanical
weight-driven mechanisms that rotate the lenses causing the flash that we see.
The author covers a history and design of these mechanisms, chariot wheel
systems, mercury flotation systems, clockwork mechanisms, and much more.
Thoroughly illustrated with early photographs and drawings, this booklet
makes most interesting reading. 17p. (M). #28183 $26.
The
View Near
Graemsay
Island
.
Thomas Tag has long been probably the only authority on lamps, lens apparatus
and illumination for lighthouses, with his articles on the subject appearing in
our catalogue, as well as the U. S. Lighthouse Society’s Keeper’s Log,
Lighthouse Digest and other publications. Now Tom has added still another volume
to his list of publications – The View Near
Graemsay
Island
. This author recently acquired a hand written diary by none other than
lighthouse engineer Alan Stevenson. One section, of particular interest,
described landmarks off the
island
of
Graemsay
that Stevenson wrote about in 1850 and 1851. The author decided to visit these
areas, and this is his detailed description of what he found. Illustrated with
early photographs and drawings, this booklet makes most interesting
reading. 18 p. (M). #27420. $26.
Bell
Rock 200th Anniversary – Part 1 - 1806.
Thomas Tag has long been probably the only authority on lamps, lens apparatus
and illumination for lighthouses, with his articles on the subject appearing in
our catalogue, as well as the U. S. Lighthouse Society’s Keeper’s Log,
Lighthouse Digest and other publications. Now Tom has added still another volume
to his list of publications -
Bell
Rock 200th Anniversary – Part 1 – 1806. Two Hundred years ago, in 1806, the
design, development plans and construction authorization for the
Bell
Rock Lighthouse in
Scotland
were approved. This story covers the developments during 1806 and the early
history of the Bell Rock. Illustrated with early photographs and drawings,
this booklet makes most interesting reading. 4 p. (M). #27419.
$26
Brilliance
and Prejudice – The John R. Wigham Story.
Thomas Tag has long been probably the only authority on lamps, lens apparatus
and illumination for lighthouses, with his articles on the subject appearing in
our catalogue, as well as the U. S. Lighthouse Society’s Keeper’s Log,
Lighthouse Digest and other publications. Now Tom has added still another volume
to his list of publications – Brilliance and Prejudice – The John R. Wigham
Story. This is the story of a brilliant engineer who created some of the most
interesting lighthouse equipment ever developed. His designs would be both
praised and maligned and would lead to conflict, prejudice, plagiarism, and the
ultimate resignation of one of the leading scientists of the day. Thoroughly
illustrated with early photographs and drawings, this booklet makes most
interesting reading. 33 p. (M). #2750. $26.
The
Fresnel Lens Makers Part VI The Other Glass and Lens Makers.
Thomas Tag has long been probably the only authority on lamps, lens apparatus
and illumination for lighthouses, with his articles on the subject appearing in
our catalogue, as well as the U. S. Lighthouse Society’s Keeper’s Log,
Lighthouse Digest and other publications. Now Tom has added still another volume
to his list of publications – The Fresnel Lens Makers Part VI – The Other
Glass and Lens Makers. This final part describes the remaining lens makers
including AGA, Pharos Marine, Automatic Power,
Corning
, Macbeth-Evans, Gebr., Dr. Genthe Glass, Nitsche & Gunther, Julius Pintsch,
and Wilhelm Weule. Thoroughly illustrated with early photographs and
drawings, this booklet makes most interesting reading. 31 p. (M).
#26333. $26.
Church
Steeples and Fog Signals.
Thomas Tag has long been probably the only authority on lamps, lens apparatus
and illumination for lighthouses, with his articles on the subject appearing in
our catalogue, as well as the U. S. Lighthouse Society’s Keeper’s Log,
Lighthouse Digest and other publications. Now Tom has added still another volume
to his list of publications – Church Steeples and Fog Signals. This detailed
account covers a long neglected area of lighthouse equipment – the mechanical
weight-driven fog bell strikers. The author covers a history of fog bells, bell
construction, wave actuated bells and clockwork-striking machinery. Included are
Lowell Fog Bell Strikers, Custer Strikers, Daboll Strikers, Stevens, Gamewell,
and more. Thoroughly illustrated with early photographs and drawings, this
booklet makes most interesting reading. (M). #26212 $26.
The
Fresnel Lens Makers Part V – The Barbier, Benard And Turenns (BBT) Lens Works.
Thomas Tag has long been probably the only authority on lamps, lens apparatus
and illumination for lighthouses, with his articles on the subject appearing in
our catalogue, as well as the U. S. Lighthouse Society’s Keeper’s Log,
Lighthouse Digest and other publications. Now Tom has added still another volume
to his list of publications – The Fresnel Lens Makers Part V – The Barbier,
Benard And Turenns (BBT) Lens Works. Part V of six parts, describes the
development of the early Fresnel lenses and defines the companies and
individuals who took part in this effort. Augustin Fresnel had assistance from
many sources as he developed and perfected his lens. This part details the work
of the Barbier, Benard And Turenns (BBT) in
France
. From its beginnings in the 1860’s the company was one of the leading
makers of Fresnel lenses for the world market, and to its current status as
today’s Samtec-Gisman Company, still producing navigation buoys. 11p.
(M). #26122. $26.
Shown
is a Chance Bros. lamp and lens assembly.
The
Fresnel Lens Makers Part IV Chance Brothers Glass Works.
Thomas Tag has long been probably the only authority on lamps, lens apparatus
and illumination for lighthouses, with his articles on the subject appearing in
our catalogue, as well as the U. S. Lighthouse Society’s Keeper’s Log,
Lighthouse Digest and other publications. Now Tom has added still another volume
to his list of publications – The Fresnel Lens Makers Part IV Chance Brothers
Glass Works. Part IV of five parts, describes the development of the early
Fresnel lenses and defines the companies and individuals who took part in this
effort. Augustin Fresnel had assistance from many sources as he developed and
perfected his lens. This part details the work of the Chance Brothers Company in
England
, from its beginning as a glass window maker to its production of Fresnel lenses
for the world market, and to its final demise in 1977 after being divided into
several companies. (M). #2659. $26.
The
Fresnel Lens Makers Part III The Henry-Lepaute Lens Works.
Thomas Tag has long been probably the only authority on lamps, lens apparatus
and illumination for lighthouses, with his articles on the subject appearing in
our catalogue, as well as the U. S. Lighthouse Society’s Keeper’s Log,
Lighthouse Digest and other publications. Now Tom has added still another volume
to his list of publications – The Fresnel Lens Makers Part III The Henry-Lepaute
Lens Works. Part III of five parts, describes the development of the early
Fresnel lenses and defines the companies and individuals who took part in this
effort. Augustin Fresnel had assistance from many sources as he developed and
perfected his lens. This part details the work of the Henry-Lepaute Lens Works,
in
France
, from its beginnings as a clock maker, to its production of Fresnel Lenses for
the world market, to its current status. (M). #25335. $26.
The
Fresnel Lens Makers Part II Sautter.
Thomas Tag has long been probably the only authority on lamps, lens
apparatus and illumination for lighthouses, with his articles on the subject
appearing in our catalogue, as well as the U. S. Lighthouse Society’s
Keeper’s Log, Lighthouse Digest and other publications. Now Tom has added
still another volume to his list of publications – The Fresnel Lens Makers
Part II Sautter. Part II of five parts, describes the development of the early
Fresnel lenses and defines the companies and individuals who took part in this
effort. Augustin Fresnel had assistance from many sources as he developed and
perfected his lens. This part details the work of the Louis Sautter Company, in
France
from its beginnings producing Fresnel lenses and other lighthouse equipment
from 1852 to the company’s final demise in 1970. 10 p. Spiral bound.
(M). #25216. $26.
The
Fresnel Lens Makers Part I Early.
Thomas Tag has long been probably the only authority on lamps, lens
apparatus and illumination for lighthouses, with his articles on the subject
appearing in our catalogue, as well as the U. S. Lighthouse Society’s
Keeper’s Log, Lighthouse Digest and other publications. Now Tom has added
still another volume to his list of publications – The Fresnel Lens Makers
Part I Early. Part I of five parts, describes the development of the early
Fresnel lenses and defines the companies and individuals who took part in this
effort. Augustin Fresnel had assistance from many sources as he developed and
perfected his lens. The players in this story have become blurred by time and
confused due to their unusual interrelationships. This story will help to
alleviate the confusion. 20 p. Spiral bound. (M). #25128. $26.
Who
Invented The Fresnel Lens?
Thomas Tag has long been probably the only authority on lamps, lens
apparatus and illumination for lighthouses, with his articles on the subject
appearing in our catalogue, as well as the U. S. Lighthouse Society’s
Keeper’s Log, Lighthouse Digest and other publications. Now Tom has added
still another volume to his list of publications – Who Invented the Fresnel
Lens. From 1822, when Fresnel published his first paper Memoir sur un Nouveau
System d’Eclairage des Phares, Sir David Brewster, in
Scotland
, claimed that he was the true inventor. This account discusses the various
claims and should finally settle the dispute. 15 p. Spiral bound. (M).
#24155. $26.
The
Drummond Lime Light.
2003. 17p. Soft wraps. Thomas Tag has
long been probably the only authority on lamps, lens apparatus and illumination
for lighthouses, with his articles on the subject appearing in our catalogue, as
well as the U. S. Lighthouse Society’s Keeper’s Log, Lighthouse Digest and
other publications. Now Tom has added still another volume to his list of
publications – The Drummond Lime Light. The Durmmond Lime Light is produced by
two jets of gas, one of oxygen and the other of hydrogen, ignited upon a ball of
lime. The author discusses the light as it was tested for use in lighthouses in
the early 1800’s. Beginning with the actual story of the Lime Light
development and trials, the author then continues with seventeen pages of
detailed background information about the light and the lighthouse trials.
Includes photographs and diagrams, this volume is the definitive source on the
subject. (M). #23325. $26.
From
Braziers And Bougies To Xenon.
2003.
41p. Soft wraps. Thomas Tag has long been probably the only authority on lamps,
lens apparatus and illumination for lighthouses, with his articles on the
subject appearing in our catalogue, as well as the U. S. Lighthouse Society’s
Keeper’s Log, Lighthouse Digest and other publications. Now Tom has added
still another volume to his list of publications – From Braziers And Bougies
To Xenon. This is the story of lighthouse illumination through the centuries.
Lighthouse illumination began with simple wood fires and progressed through a
generation of other methods. Even the oil lamp began in simplicity and evolved
into a machine with multiple wicks, clockwork oil pumps, specialized chimneys,
hydraulic, pneumatic, and other variants. This detailed work takes you through
the history of illumination methods from ‘braziers and bougies [candles] to
xenon’, from the 1600’s up to the present day. Filled with photographs
and diagrams, this is the definitive source on the subject. #23233. $26.
Lighthouse
Builders and Inventors
This
detailed document lists and describes the builders and inventors who
participated in some way in the development of lighthouses and their technical
elements. Where possible, the author has included birth and death years to place
his life in context with the timeline of developments. Also each entry is
annotated with a footnote identifying the source of the data. Includes over 190
listings. 10p. Spiral bound. #22248. $26.
The Genius
and the
Mentor
This is
the story of the life and work of Augustin Jean Fresnel. It is not the usual
biography of his life, which you may have read before; instead it is the story
of the very unusual school he attended, the mentor who made his work possible,
and the lighthouse illumination equipment he designed. The work of these two
‘Genius and
Mentor
’ produced the initial ideas that led to the magnificent design of the Fresnel
lens for lighthouses that we are so familiar with. 16p. Spiral bound. #22246.
$26.
Chronology
of Lighthouse Events
This
long awaited document provides a chronology of the major technical events that
have occurred in lighthouse development throughout time. From the earliest entry
in 1300 bc when the Trojan built an early fire tower or lighthouse, to the
decommissioning of the
Nantucket
lightship in 1985, this detailed listing is a must for the researcher,
historian and writer as well as local enthusiasts. Includes well over 900
listings. 26p. Spiral bound. #22247. $26.
Early
American Lighthouse Illumination
This is
the story of lighthouse illumination methods used -in
America
from the 1700s to 1852. It includes many drawings and photographs of the early
Winslow Lewis reflector light, the 9-inch Winslow Lewis lens, Spider Lamps,
Bucket Lamps, etc. 20p. Spiral bound. #9440. $26.
American
Made Fresnel Lenses
This is
the story of the development of optical quality glass in Europe and in
America
, the desire to build Fresnel lenses in
America
and the reasons that this desire was finally realized. It includes many
previously unknown photographs of American-made Fresnel lenses. 18p.
Spiral bound. #9441. $26.
David
Porter Heap - The Great Improver
This is
the story of David Porter Heap who was one of the Engineers to the Lighthouse
Board and also served as the Engineer in the Third Lighthouse District for many
years. David Heap was responsible for improving many lighthouse-related items
such as five and eight-day lamps, the Funck-Heap lamps, the first use of ball
bearings in lens rotation, the first acetylene gas buoy in America, the
Topophone and others. 13p. .Spiral bound. #9442. $26.
The Doty
Dilemma
This is
the story of the development and use of kerosene as a fuel for lighthouse lamps.
Henry Harrison Doty developed and patented lamps that were able to burn kerosene
efficiently. His patents were purchased and used by the lighthouse authorities
around the world with the exception of
America
where his patents resulted in years of litigation. It includes photographs and
drawings of the early lamps used in burning kerosene. 10p. .Spiral bound. #9443.
$26.
A Bit
Unusual
This is
the story of the many kinds of fuel that were experimented with for use in
lighthouses. Everything from Bude lamps and sheep's tails to atomic reactors is
discussed. It includes a copy of the only known drawing of a Drummond Lime light
as proposed for use in lighthouses. 12p. .Spiral bound. #9444. $26.
The Jewel
in the Sand
This is
the story of the glass used in lighthouse lenses. The story covers how the glass
was made and how the lenses and prisms were made and polished. It includes
drawings of the early glass polishing equipment. Also included is a chart
defining all of the Fresnel lens orders from Hyper-radial through eight-order
and a listing of the lens manufacturers. 11p. .Spiral bound. #9445. $26.
The
Mirror Of Light.
This is
the story of the Catoptric or mirror system of lighthouse illumination. One of
the first methods employed in early lighthouses to concentrate the rays were
flat, spherical and parabolic reflectors. Stevenson and later Winslow Lewis were
noted for their early c.1800 reflector designs that were incorporated into early
US
lighthouses. This detailed work covers theirs and numerous other styles of
reflectors in use as early as the 1770’s up to the 1950’s. Filled with 45
photographs and diagrams, this volume is the definitive source on the subject.
27p. Spiral bound. #21309. $26.
Memoir
Upon A New System Of Lighthouse Illumination
Fresnel,
M. A., Memoir Upon A New System Of Lighthouse Illumination.
Paris
. 1822. [reprint] 2001. Translated into English. English translation of
Fresnel’s original memoir on his new system of lighthouse illumination from
1822, upon which modern lens apparatus was based. Memoir discusses in some
detail the properties of large glass lenses and their use as replacements for
parabolic reflectors that were in use at the time. In addition, lamps and
burners to properly illuminate the apparatus are discussed, methods employed to
produce a flash, and much more. A most interesting and important early
work by this noted designer, now in English for us to study. 24p. Spiral bound.
#2137. $26.
Multiple
Discount Pricing: 2-3 titles $25 each. 4-8 titles $24 each.
9-12 titles $23 each. 13 or more titles $21 each. No other discounts may
apply.
Please
see also our Fresnel Lens page.
More
items added daily.
Procedure
to order items:
1. I suggest that you call us
or email to check on availability of any item that you would like
other than recent books. As items go quite quickly, please call and leave
a message to reserve items that you would like. I will return your call,
hold the items and await your letter or credit card information. We will
also weigh the items and advise postage.
2. You may then call or email credit card information, or
forward a check in the mail.
Most items are mailed US Priority Mail or UPS. Additional
information on our "Ordering Page".
Massachusetts residents must add 6.25% sales tax.
Page updated March 21, 2012
.
How to reach us:
Kenrick A. Claflin & Son Nautical Antiques
1227 Pleasant Street, Worcester, MA 01602
Phone (508) 792-6627
All
text and illustrations on web site Ó
James W. Claflin . 03/21/2012
All rights
reserved. Use prohibited without written permission.
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