Wayland

I'm not going to delve too deeply into the science of optics but a quick google for something like "circle of confusion" should illustrate why out of focus point sized objects appear basically round. As already pointed out, it's odd isn't it that nobody ever noticed "Orbs" until cameras with powerful light sources mounted close to the optical axis came along. Believe what you will, but I prefer the empirical approach of science to hocus pocus.

Out of focus object or dust close to the camera and illuminated by flash. No supernatural explanation required. Take it from an ex professional photographer.

Thank you, It may never make me wealthy but I consider myself to be rich in many other ways.

I haven't heard or seen that one before (for a techie, I am soooo far behind on texting lingo)... I may just use that one... I can hear it now, "Well you see <input user name here>, that is a Eye Dee Ten-Tee error!" I make plenty of those...

. . This is the sort of stuff I do for a living.

I've heard this explanation before but have not been able to track down any historical references to verify it. W.H.Smyth has various definitions and uses for the word "Monkey" and it's derivatives, but none of them seem to connect to this story. There is an interesting article here.

Thank you, landscape photography is what I do when I'm not doing the living history stuff so it's nice to have an outlet like DA or my websites to show it on.

I'm on DA but not as a Pirate I'm afraid. Waylandscape

Has anyone read X marks the spot: the archaeology of piracy? I was wondering if it's worth getting?

Knitted or cut cloth?

Oh dear.....What have I started.......

Not sure how useful this info is, but I've just found out that the sulphur dipped spills were actually called "Spunks" pre 1900. Now I can see why that name has dropped out of use on this side of the pond, but I don't know if it has the same unfortunate connotations over there in the colonies.

That would certainly work better for borrowing a light from a fire or some such, but the sulphur is used to take a light from just the ember on your charcloth.