pages: practicalmagicia00harr.pdf, 30
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practicalmagicia00harr.pdf | 30 | 20 THE PRACTICAL MAGICIAN. cally into the possession of its owner. The ring was borrowed, and some mysterious gesticulations practised; but instead of the contemplated result being produced, the false confederate pro- claimed aloud that he had lent a very valuable jewelled ring, and had only received back a common copper ring. The audience was of course disappointed at such words so derogatory to the conjuror This unpleasant feeling was deepened by the malic- ious meddling of another false confederate. Torrini had to present some cards to the King of Naples, who was honoring the assembly by witnessing the exhibition, and a card was selected by his Majesty. Instead, however, of being pleased with what he saw on the card, the king manifested intense disapprobation. The confederate had written on the card words of disrespect and insult, and Torrini had to retire amid the loud censures of the enraged spectators. There may. be no danger of so disastrous results to a young amateur; but dissatisfaction of a milder kind will probably ensue whenever it is discovered that any trick has depended upon the secret co-operation of an assistant among the spectators. The SECOND topic which I propose at present to discuss is the employment of mechanism-such mechanical constructions as boxes with false sides, cabinets with secret drawers, or double compartments, etc. It makes a great difference whether such arrangements are used as subordinate aids, or as constituting the essence and sub- stance of the illusion. In the former respect it is quite legiti- mate to take advantage of any well-arranged mechanical aid su- bordinately. In fact, nearly all tricks must be performed with some modified aid of artistic contrivance, or with mechanical implements adroitly used. The conjuror, thereforc, unavoid- ably requires, and may advantageously employ, mechanical ar- rangements to give greater effect to his illusions. I only wish to dissuade the learner from relying solely upon mere mechani- cal puzzles, or artistic contrivances, for furnishing an interesting exhibition of the conjuror's art. The fewer the contrivances which he employs of this sort, and the more entirely the performance rests upon sleight-of-hand the more lively will be the surprise of the spectators. |