This effect may be termed a "double-header" for both a rope restoration and slate writing mystery are accomplished in combination. The only requisites are two slates with loose silicate flap, two lengths of soft rope, scissors and chalk. In order to facilitate the learning of the subtleties employed, it would be well for the reader to follow the instructions with the articles mentioned at hand. The performer talks of his discovery of a long hidden secret for restoring to their original condition all broken articles. He offers to illustrate with a rope. It is looped between the hands and a…
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…
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…
Using slates in the prosaic manner prescribed by magic catalogues is the common thing to do. I've tried to be different in this effect and put an aura around the trick to impress the audience. The means to an end may be all too familiar, but the approach and climax should satisfy. The performer shows a large display board (it can be made to fit the suitcase, or fold to fit a briefcase) upon which can be seen a long list of Kings who, throughout history, have either been murdered or deposed. It is shown that the fatal number 2…
Every once in a while a principle makes its appearance and allows of being used in many varied ways. Over a year ago Dr Daley, in Jinx pages, introduced a method of using four pieces of plain silicate (four flaps) to obtain a spirit message. The following effect combines that with another idea which has found favor, and thus a magician's dream easily becomes a reality. In an impromptu manner and at any time or place, you can produce a phantom answer THAT IS A DIRECT REPLY to any question written by the spectator! Carry with you merely four silicate…
Dabblers of things of a spiritualistic nature should be interested in the following effect which has been put together for the small gathering and intimate type of performer. It can be carried in one pocket and, performed practically impromptu, runs about seven minutes with great impression. The performer asks the spectator to write the initials of a dead man on one of seven small white cards, explaining that from this point on the card will represent the deceased person and that his burial will be re-enacted. On the six remaining pasteboards, the spectator is told to write the initials of…
Looking for new principles is like searching for the proverbial needle. Finding a really new dress for old tricks is luxury enough for most magi. The following is something for many who want a stunt off the beaten path and away from the stereotyped message on the slate. Try it at your next housewarming. Showing four pieces of ordinary silicate to be clean on every side, the performer has a member of his audience make a choice and two are banded together and held. Ten cards, each bearing a single figure, and ranging from one to zero, are freely shown,…
Owing to the popularity of slate work with every audience, I've tried nearly all known ideas and methods. Many look good on paper but prove risky or ineffective in practice. Changing the 1 to a 4 is probably the best non-flap method but it is becoming well known. I worked out the following several years ago and consider it about perfect. The slates can be shown high up in front rather than to one side and two messages can be obtained successively. The numbers and messages are written with #98 Sanford white ink using a small camels hair brush. The…
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…
Undoubtedly, this is one of the neatest and most subtle of the flap slate methods for home seance work yet devised. I first saw it done by its originator several years ago, and its operation had me completely puzzled until the whole routine of actions was revealed. Two slates and a flap are used, the flap being prepared at one end with a sharp spring steel hook. A flat piece of spring, about a quarter of an inch wide and one inch long is bent into a V shape. One prong is now filed to a sharp point. The V…