Royal Heath marketed a 5 dice (each surface having a different three figure number) effect several years ago, and after anyone had mixed them and arranged them in a row (column) it was very effective when the performer merely glanced at them for a second and then named the total of the problem when added. By only adding the right hand row the performer had the necessary knowledge. The two figures thus obtained gave him the last two figures of the total. By subtracting that number from 50 he obtained the first two figures. This trick has been discarded by…
Number and figure tricks are generally a bit complicated for the people who are not good mathematicians, so this pert problem should afford some amusement if not mystification because it is easily followed. A person is asked to jot down, one under the other, two figures of his own choice. Without drawing the usual line beneath the two numbers are added and the result put down. Then he adds together the last two figures and puts this result beneath. The last two figures are added and again the result put down. And this action is continued until there are ten…
Every bit of action in this effect means something, and I have no doubt but that there will be not a few who have discarded the number addition trick who will find the following idea a welcome new face for their routine. After other card effects the performer attempts a mindreading experiment. He hands the deck to a spectator for shuffling, and that person is to think of a three figure number as he mixes the cards. The deck is given a second person who shuffles and also thinks of three figures. The same thing happens with a third person.…
It's an old effect. It's an old trick. It's still fundamentally sound, however, and all that it has needed was a little "detail" which would throw off the scent those who had learned the principle from cheap books and throwaways. How many times have you, you and you performed a card trick only to have someone grab the deck and feel for "strippers" ? Even though the trick performed couldn't possibly have been done by using that principle. This new (to print) angle is a perfect disguise for the effect wherein a column of five figure numbers is added and…
Science recognizes a vast spectrum of waves ranging from extremely short to very long wavelengths. On this band are light rays, radio, X-ray, infra-red ray, death ray, and ultra-violet ray, among others, which have been placed at the service of humanity. Between the known wavelengths, however, exist many whose use is unknown. It is with these "black gaps" that scientists today concern themselves. Marconi, at the time of his death, was delving into the mysteries of one of them. Recently a black substance emitting a powerful and baffling ray was compounded by an eminent scientist and chemist. Fastened in this…
This is a routine of more or less standard items, which, when combined, offer an interesting experiment that can find a spot on almost any club or home program. The impression upon the audience, when numbers are merely thought of, is very good as I have proven to my satisfaction. The patter is based upon "the magic of numbers" (lots of material can be found on that subject) plus the fact that some scientists have been investigating the possibility of photographing thought waves, notably among them being Nicola Tesla. The performer starts by showing a chart containing 16 squares of…
For those who like this type of experiment, the test can be a prize example of audience befuddlement. There are performers who will take hold of an experiment of this sort and build it into almost a feature number on their program. Certainly it will not be denied that the method of accomplishing what seems to be quite an impossibility, even for ultra clever mathematically inclined people, is extremely simple enough to allow of the stunt being practically impromptu. The performer shows about 20 blank pieces of cardboard. Or he may use his own business cards for the purpose, as…
Enabling the performer to get into a climax with but very little preliminary preparation, this item forms an effective opening for a mental act. The effect is based on an idea from Secrets of Magic by Blackstone. However, it will be seen that a new principle and method of handling is brought into play which will confuse those who may know the older secret. The performer shows a packet of cards, say from 50 to 100. Each card is blank on one side; the reverse side carries a six figure number. The packet of cards is shuffled and several members…
Any time you are within shouting distance of a calendar, it will be possible to present an offhand feat to upset good mathematicians. The assistant takes a monthly sheet; you turn your back. He is told to mark off one day in each week. You now ask "How many Sundays are checked ?" "How many Mondays ?" "How many Tuesdays ?" etc. Immediately after this you name a number. The calendar man adds up the dates he has crossed and finds that you have correctly called the total ! Our secret is well hidden. A calendar page is illustrated. Try…
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…