Cards, counters, and other foreign appliances have no part in this really new conception. The spectators select any page and any line in a Reader's Digest, or similar magazine. They remember the first word of the line, and on a blank card write the page number and line number. The writing is sealed in an envelope. The flap is either initialed to prevent opening, or wax may be used with a ring impression to build it. The envelope is slipped under the door of a room wherein the performer has been concentrating (?) during the entire process. A minute later…
Jinx #10 contained the first mention in periodicals for magi of extra sensory perception, that much discussed emotion of present day delvers into the realm of mental gymnastics. However, insofar as I have been able to discover, magicians taking advantage of the Rhine publicity by using the symbol cards in their presentations becloud the issue by using the cards like an ordinary bridge deck, and complicate things with sleights and intricate patterns of effect for which the original designs were never intended. Over two years ago I made up a set for my own amazement, and used them only at…
An original method for securing a question or message makes use of a common hat pin. Holding the hat pin in my right hand, I request a spectator to write on a piece of paper, fold it into a small bundle, and stick the paper on the end of the pin. The first illustration is followed here. There has already been stuck onto pin another duplicate paper roll, which isn't visible because I am holding the needle between my thumb and first finger in a manner so as to conceal the duplicate. Now, with the left thumb and forefinger I…
Ladies in the audience always make available a powder case, or compact, which becomes a valuable accessory in this feat of fake clairvoyance. It is practical as an interlude during your performance, and is an excellent publicity stunt for impromptu work. A compact having been secured, the owner is asked to write a single word on a business card, enclosing it in the case. The performer is given the case behind back and he faces the audience. Immediately he says that the second letter is exceptionally clear and is round, like a letter "e" or "o". Then, after building up…
Embodied in this effect will be found a demonstration of both magic and mindreading, a triple mystery and a novel presentation. The performer tells the following story : There once was an old man, a friendless recluse known to his neighbors only as Mr X. (Small white card, Fig. 1, is shown and placed in drug envelope representing Mr X's home) One day Mr X applied for police protection, stating that he feared for his life. A guard was assigned to his home. (Envelope is folded and stood tentwise (^) before a spectator who acts as guard) Although it was…
Choosing a prominent member of his audience, the performer gives him a piece of chalk with a slate, and stands this person at one end of the room or stage. The performer, also with chalk and slate, stands in a distant opposite location. Four more of the assembly are asked to stand at their seats. The first is requested to concentrate upon his year of birth. The second thinks of the year in which his wife or her husband was born. The third person mentally selects any important year, in the last 20, during which an event of consequence has…
A number of white pasteboard cards are shown all different and to contain a number on one side, all numbers varying in the hundreds and thousands. The cards are shuffled, and after cutting, a spectator removes five, holding number sides down. On a slate the performer now chalks "THE TOTAL OF THE NUMBER SELECTED WILL BE", explaining that a helpful spirit will write in chalk the total of the addition to be arrived at presently. Another slate is given spectator, he copying the numbers selected onto slate and adding them up. While this is being done, the first slate is…
For an old trick, this has been but very little usage, and in this day and age, when publicity is freely given to those who apparently can see through all sorts of blindfolds, etc., it should be an excellent impromptu test. Argamasilla, the Spanish nobleman who confounded N.Y. critics for a short time with his reputed ability to see through metals, could have used this stunt to good advantage for press interviews. Two parties note the date on their own half dollar and place the date sides of the two coins face to face. The performer takes them in that…
Methods of improvement over old procedures persist in popping up. Dr Daley has gone far in making the forecast of a sum total as positive as present thought allows. Surely there is no loophole in the following for a spectator to locate. It is as fair as the genuine could be. The effect is practically the same as of old. Four people are asked to stand and think of a three figure number. The performer looks at each in turn and writes something on his side of an ordinary slate. He draws a line, is seen to be adding columns…
A number of coins are collected in a borrowed hat which the wizard places on the table crown down. Announcing the date of a coin, the performer puts his hand into the hat, and brings forth a coin which he immediately passes for inspection. It bears the date he named ! He repeats with the others. One advantage of this method is that no extra coin is used, and another is the fact that the spectators may note the dates on their own coins before dropping them into the hat. Thus each may claim his coin immediately after its date…