VINTAGE HAND TINTED LANTERN SLIDE "Turning Over Retted Flax" 3.25X4IN

"Turning over retted flax" refers to a step in the process of preparing flax fibers for linen production. Retting is the process of soaking or exposing flax stalks to moisture (either by submerging them in water or laying them out on the ground) to encourage the decomposition of the outer layers of the plant. This breaks down the pectin, which holds the fibers together, making it easier to separate the usable fibers from the woody parts of the stalk.

Once the flax has been retted for a period of time, "turning over" refers to flipping or rotating the flax stalks to ensure that all sides are evenly exposed to moisture and decay. This helps the retting process progress uniformly, ensuring that all parts of the plant are properly broken down for the next stages of processing, such as drying, breaking, scutching, and hackling.

SLIDE IS PHYSICALLY LABELED ���PROPERTY OF AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATIONAL HISTORY���

The Historical Significance of Lantern Slides: Photographic History

The use of lantern slides for photographic displays had a profound impact on the dissemination of knowledge, entertainment, and art. It was an important bridge between the pre-modern era of visual culture and the rise of photography, film, and modern multimedia presentations. By facilitating the public sharing of images on a larger scale, lantern slides democratized access to visual information and laid the groundwork for the visual media we use today.