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unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,207 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 207 | THE UNMASKING OF ROBERT-HOUDIN target revolve, or, if the frame is used, by having a black velvet curtain pulled up by rapid springs or strong rubbers. While all this is going on, some one has brought on the stage the loaded bottle, and as no attention is called to this, by the time the watches have been restored to the owners the conjurer introduces the bottle trick, pours out the various liquors, and eventually breaks the bottle and reproduces the borrowed article tied about the neck of the guinea-pig or dove. Many names have been given to this trick. The old- time magicians who remained for months in one theatre had to change their programmies frequently, so for one night they would present the bottle without breaking it, and on the next they would break the bottle, so as to vary the trick. This bottle trick originated in "The Inexhaustible Barrel." The first trace that I can find of this wonder- ful barrel is in "Hocus Pocus, Jr., The Anatomie of Legerdemain," written by Henry Dean in 1635 (Second Edition). On page 2I is described a barrel with a single spout, from which can be drawn three different kinds of liquors. This was worked precisely on the same principle as was the inexhaustible bottle trick centuries. later, by shutting up the air-holes of compartments from which liquors were not flowing. Its first public appearance, according to the data in my collection, clipped from London papers of 1707 and I7I2, was when the "famous water-works of the late ingenious Mr. Henry Winstanly" were exhibited by his servants for the benefit of his widow; and the exhibition included [180] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,208 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 208 | THE INEXHAUSTIBLE BOTTLE a view of "the Barrel that plays so many Liquors and is broke in pieces before the Spectators." " In 1780 Dr. Desaguliers presented in London a per- formance entitled "A Course of Experimental Philosophy wherein the Principles of Mechanics, Hydrostatics, Pneu- matics, and Optics are proved and demonstrated by more than 300 Experiments." In the course of these lectures he produced a sort of barrel, worked by holding the fingers over the air-holes. He also exposed the real source of strength of the notorious strong man of his day, John Carl von Eckeberg, who allowed horses to pull against him, permitted heavy stones to be broken on his bare chest, and who broke heavy ropes simply by stretching or straightening his knees. These lectures and exposés made Dr. Desaguliers so famous that he has been given considerable space in Sir David Brewster's "Letters on Natural Magic," pub- lished in London in 1851, in which book the various de- ceptions used by strong men are fully described. In fact the book is one that should be in every conjurer's library. The old Dutch books explain the barrel trick, and in 1803 Charles Hutton, professor of Woolwich Royal Academy, translated four books from Ozanam and Montucla, exposing quite a number of old conjuring tricks. The barrel trick will be found on page 94 of Volume II. The first use of "The Inexhaustible Bottle" by modern conjurers I found in an announcement of Herr Schmidt, a German performer, who for a time controlled the original writing and drawing figure, as will be found by reference to Chapter III., which is devoted to the his- [ 181 ] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,209 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 209 | THE UNMASKING OF ROBERT-HOUDIN tory of that automaton. The programme published in that chapter is dated FOR SIX NIGHTS ONLY, - NOWDAY, - To of - - nive FRIDAY, - le fue 1827, and does not in- Mr. Schmidt's BENEFIT, - SATURDAY to - LAST NIONT of the clude the famous bottle, MECHANICAL OPTICAL THEATRE At the Mueic-Hall, because it was no longer a Albion-Street, Leeds. novelty in Herr Schmidt's zm. - respostfully the Ledice and of LEEDS Vielaity, that aftee - Years laboer be hee completed some AUTOMATAN NOPE DANCERS, - lasge - Life, which go through Variety of Evelations es - répertoire; but the ad- Tighs Repe. To Men of Selence they mest appess impossible, for though thay are estacity with the they from tt, and balance le WITHOUT the UST or THEIR HANDS, AND INSTANT. LY CONNECT TREMSELVER wire THE MACHINERY AGAIN vertisement reproduced herewith, dated 1821, schedules the bottle trick thus: "The Bottle of Sobriety and Inebriety, proving the inutility of a set of decanters, when Me. will also introduce Variety of interesting and amasing Pieces of Mechonion, never before exhibited in Loeda, RAMO SAMMEE, various liquors can be TNe - Nette Pigure will correctly inform the Company the Time by any Person's Watoh: be will also decipher Writing, and any Question proposed to bim. The Dutch Coffee House, produced by one." Thus As elegast little Bullding: on the Travellers ringing the bell the door opene-th attende and provides hém with any Liquor be may vall for. Schmidt antedated or SAPETY. which Proporty of any description can be placed on the direction of the Company : the contente will imporceptibly ebange from drawer into another, or evem bobind the glanses. The Bottle of Sobriety and Inebriely, Houdin's offering of the Proving . instilley of est of Decastora, when varions Liquors be produced by - THE MECHANICAL TEA CADDYS, Any Lady or Gentionna haring deaire to of any Article, locke in one Cuddy, trick by more than a yet - opaning the ether is is lomed there, althongt the Cadity le la the hand of any othes Porsoa. AN GLA… | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,210 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 210 | THE INEXHAUSTIBLE BOTTLE Mr. Falck opened at the Queen's Bazaar, Oxford Street, London, November 8th, 1835. Before opening, however, he gave a private performance for the press, and received quite a number of notices. A half-column clipping in my collection, dated November 4th, 1835, NATURAL MAGIC! MCR. FALCK, Of Konigaberg, Pupil of the celebrated Chevalier Pinetty, has just arrived in England, and will exhibit his surprising deceptions, NOW UNRIVALLED IN NATURAL MAGIC, AT THE Queen's Bazaar, Oxford Street. AMONG THE NUMEROUS FEATS EXHIBITED WILL BE FOUND THE FOLLOWING:- The Enchanted Bread-The Walking Rice-Paying a Tavera Keeper-The Enchanted Egg-The Calculation of Money-The Lost Ring-The Exchange of Wine-The Enchanted Dice-The Card in the Pocket-The Present, or Gift of Flora-The Wine and Dessert-besides Surprising Deceptions with Cards, &c. &c. The Performance to begin daily and at Three till half-past Four. ADMITTANCE ONE SHILLING-CHILDREN SIXPENCE. Geo. Nichole, Printer, Earl's Court, Cranbourn Street, Soho. 10 - Poster used by Falck of Koenigsberg in 1835, featuring the trick of exchange of wine. From the Harry Houdini Collection. which I think is cut from The Chronicle or The Globe, the trick among other effects like "Flora's ift," "The Card in the Pocket," etc., and adds that the "exchange of wine was so that if once in Mr. Falck's Company, we should not wish to exchange it, for he poured [r83] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,211 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 211 | THE UNMASKING OF ROBERT-HOUDIN W'aterloo Rooms. three sorts of wine, Port, " est Agreenble et Plaimes de S'Instruire - Sherry, and Cham- THE LAST pagne, out of one bottle. Spiendid, Brilliant and Fashionable Then he put them to- DAY PERFORIANOE WILL TAKE PLACE ON gether, and from such a SATURDAY Sist APRIL, 1939, Under the High and Distinguished mixture produced sher- ry in one glass, and port THE RIGHT HONOURABLE LADY GIFFORD, in another." THE RIGHT HONOURABLE From this notice it Lady H. Stuart Forbes, will be seen that Falck WHICH OCCASION had "The Inexhaustible dec. dyc. dec. religional Mons". PHILLIPPE Bottle," and had some WILL SELECT The most INTERESTING, ATTRACTIVR and method of returning all PRISING FEATS the liquors not drunk FROM HIS EXTENSIVE STOCK or NECROMANTIC, MACICAL a DEXTERICAL back into the bottle DEMION-STRATIONS! and then pouring out La Gaieté est la Santé de L'ame la tristesse on est le poison. two different kinds of Programme. zase z. Aed - - ema liquor. Indian and Chinsee Meale !!! A CURIOUS OPERATION, sova wese Empe ammid by - Ser . Nom P. - - - Perhaps he resorted sese - - A ****ON som Le La Esso - - - - Jehe Lopes - WINGS AGAINST WHEELS, on THE la SRAND TOUS - - to chemicals, but one warch: de / TRACIC SCENE - ACRECABLE LES Porssons woa !!. tothe - Tare CONCLUSE the BIBTH y thing is evident - the The SUBLINE TUAT the Auternal Nettle, PATRIOT and bottle was used for six ay CAP. Toing BALL - - ORANCE Noad of I# THE. UNPARALLELED, zase sv. different kinds of liquors JUPITKE . rulcan FIRES: The - - - - " The OUN-AT PRACOCE, FICURES at one and the same as - reas ***. - sie A NIGHT IN THE FAD-JUNO - JUPITER-1 PALACE OF PERIN: -The MACICIAN Hond time. TWO BARBER a Mess. PEILLIPFE wis appone The UUN-ECLIPEE " AS TRE OSSAT of BOYAL MAGIGIAN LEQUIN in QUEEN VICTOILA Phillippe from 1836 to IN PULL COSTUME, of SCOTLAND, ENOLAND, - ON MONDAY 1838 featured "An In- Mens. P. takes his BENEFIT. fernal Bottle" trick, also "The Inexhaustible Poster used by Phillippe during his Edinburgh engagement in 1838… | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,212 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 212 | THE INEXHAUSTIBLE BOTTLE grammes used by John Henry Anderson, the Wizard of the North, in the same years. According to these programmes Phillippe and Anderson showed the bottle empty, filled it with water, and then served five different liquors. On April 30th, 1838, Anderson thus announced the trick on a programme used at Victoria Rooms, Hull: "Handkerchiefs will be borrowed from three gentle- men; the magician will load his mystic gun, in which he will place the handkerchiefs; he will fire a bottle con- taining wine, the bottle will be .broken and the handker- chiefs will appear." Programmes in my collection show that Anderson pre- sented the trick, serving various sorts of liquors, when he played London in 1840, but little attention was drawn to the wonderful bottle. In 1842 Ludwig Döbler, Germany's best-beloved magician, came to London and featured what he termed "The Travelling Bottle.' Ludwig Leopold Döbler was born in Vienna in 1801. He was the best-beloved magician who ever trod the stage. He started life as an engraver of metals, but his fancy turned to necromancy. He gave his best performances in his na- tive city. In 1841 he was touring Holland, and in a letter now in my possession, which he wrote to a director and editor in Vienna under date of March I5th, 1842, he in- forms his friend that he has sent all his baggage to London from Amsterdam, and is on a visit to Paris. He regrets that he has not all of his apparatus with him, but has given several performances, and mentions the fact that " to-morrow I am engaged to give a performance in the private parlor of Rothschild and then by the Count [ 185 ] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,213 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 213 | THE UNMASKING OF ROBERT-HOUDIN " THE GREAT WIZARD OF THE NORTH," Performing hie triak of POURING FOUR DIFFERENT LIQUIDS FROM ONE BOTTLE. Reproduction of a political cartoon in Punch, published during Anderson's London engagement, April, 1843, proving that the Inexhaustible Bottle Trick" was used by Anderson before Robert-Houdin was a professional entertainer. From the Harry Houdini Collection. [ 186] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,214 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 214 | THE INEXHAUSTIBLE BOTTLE intaliset, minister of the King's mansions." He also orms his friend that he expects to visit Paris the next son and build his own theatre. He states a fact most resting to all magicians, namely, that he has rented (lay Drive udwig Döbler in his prime, taken about 1839. The original of this rare re was discovered by the author in a small print shop in Moscow, Russia. now a part of his Collection. St. James Theatre in London for two thousand ICS ($400) a night, or more than $2,400 rent for one k. Döbler drew such big audiences and made so ch money that he refused to give private perfomances, [187] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,215 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 215 | THE UNMASKING OF ROBERT-HOUDIN only breaking this rule when presenting his show before H. M. Queen Victoria and the Prince Consort. He played the provinces, then went over to Dublin, where, although unable to speak English, he was a ver- itable sensation. In 1844 Döbler played a return STREET, ar. SATURDAY EVENING, date at the St. James APRIL. 10, 1842 la Ne - by Theatre, London, and sme LOUIS DOBLER, this time he had Ander- to - the of son as a rival at the Thé- - - - the gener NATURAL cummer âtre Royal Adelphia. MAGIC Döbler amassed a for- lass keil the - of - de - of Name - tune very rapidly; in fact - - - - NER MAJESTY THE QUEEN & H.R.M. THE PRINGE ALBERT. The - be divided inte Twe Para and with Mark - he retired in 1847, and by M. - Eigli - - PROGRABNE OF PERFORMANGE PART L never again appeared on The Magle Illumination, Tero Hundred Candles lighted by One Platol Shot The Magle Looking Olass. The Wandering The Travelling Bottle. The Witched Chair. the stage. He always ex- The Sympathetle Fruit. The Wonder The Corresponding Clooks. Kitchen. PART n. plained his early retire- Farmes The Magnetic Sword. The Notallie newer Zoots. Instantaneous The Great Necamotage. The Miracuions Washing ment by saying: "The More and There. Floga's aifta. vass THURSDAY. APRIL 91; and ou SATURDAY, APRIL ss. public loves me, and I PIt, Se. Gallery Stalls, is. ed. A - Orehostre Datte - be 9a. - - PRIVATE BOXEA, ITALLA - TICKETS - be - - Royal Librasy, ss, osd want it to always love me. Mr. asqunt's Librasy, Regent-street; Mr. sams's Librasy, Jamos's-streed; Andas - - of the Thestre, whieb le - - . Pivo I may return and be a # - - at as failure, so it is best to A Döbler programme from the Eva- know just when to stop." nion collection, dated 1842, now in the possession of the author. He died in a little village near Tunitz, on April 17th, 1864, when one of God's noblemen was laid to rest. "The Travelling Bottle" alluded to by Döbler in his programmes was nothing more or less than "The Inex- haustible Bottle." The following excerpt fr… | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,216 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 216 | THE INEXHAUSTIBLE BOTTLE "DOBLER-ST. JAMES THEATRE.-Among the illusions that more particularly struck our fancy was one entitled "The Travelling Bottle,' where Herr Döbler, filling a common bottle with water, transformed this water into a collection of wines of all countries, amicably assembled Döblers Strauschen und gervidmet. 2ins to ging's mil anbern Stanfe... ou Annã, Die ber gethan, Nech in Wintee, - ate Sife accce aberneg bie méefat Gunt, ward fatt Davan- mis Am Jänben, girrig mit Den Mingen. mit bem Spiegef, Fingen Re Die Samen anf. und mit der Flaghs Wein. Qiefe Kafges Nicmans Grach bas biegef 9u Des. Singe Sanf. yes es Acia. Sem was ensfeeret Teinen Rufym ou nacf, Jashm. fonber gaft. gevif uns jurüch, Sat man nene Segefycet Wenn Die wea bu es Die keine mit Magiers Qatich. ben Samber gn Tann mafangen wir bich wisbes, hore, But was wieber vell, Lafen biefj auch nieft mefje aup, in Bie on ans las ;bemp fifjun vöffig tell.' Sefellef hier fich in Reife anf So in Theatey. Döbler's farewell programme in verse, used when he played his last engage- ment in the Josephstadter Theatre, Vienna. Original given by Döbler per- sonally to Henry Evanion; now in the Harry Houdini Collection. [ 189] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,217 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 217 | THE UNMASKING OF ROBERT-HOUDIN FLORA'S GIFTS. HERR DOBLER Ludwig Döbler in his prime, offering his most popular trick, "The Creation of Flowers." From a rare lithograph in the Harry Houdini Collection. [ I90 ] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,218 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 218 | THE INEXHAUSTIBLE BOTTLE together in one receptacle, and he fills out first a glass of sherry, then one of port, then one of champagne, and so on." The critic then describes how the bottle was broken, and the borrowed handkerchief was found inside the bottle. Probably because of the prominence which Herr Dö- et. James's Theatre, King St, LAST NIGHT BUT FOUR OF HERR DOBLER'S TUEBRAY, JULY 5, (on thero will - NO SATURDAY, JULY 9. LOUDS NATURAL MAGIC - WALL shortty ANO NUMEROUN HEW EXPERIMENTS INTRODUGED - - - - - - A de - ed. . - Walle - Gallery - - as. qui Döbler programme with illustrations of his tricks, used during his engagement at the St. James Theatre, London. From the Harry Houdini Collection. bler gave to this trick it attracted more attention when Anderson presented it during his London run of 1843. He announced it as "Watervs. Wine, or Changing Water [ 191 ] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,219 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 219 | THE UNMASKING OF ROBERT-HOUDIN into Different Liquids-Sherry, Port, Champagne, Gin, BOWERY THEATRE Milk, Rum, and Water." The London Sun of Domes. Pit. 1-9 Conte Seate de Orchostra Beses. se Conte Domes for FIV Dellase Boots egee from 9 A. a April 18th, 1843, says: The Deors will open et asd the Seiree et . e'slesh. These le se Cheatrical Eshibition with these "Mr. Anderson, be- NIGHTLY JAMMED! THE GREAT WIZARD sides the feats by which MAGALLISTER! his reputation was es- tablished in his former bie Trimmbant Career, and sightly exhibite bie Grand and De'ginal exhibitions in the metro- Experimente in MAGXO, x. ac., in bie Gorgeous Temple before AMAZED THOUSANDS polis, performed with per- "Men of Mighty Words and Little Deeds! Whe elaim the sele right to the name el WIZARD try in vais to convince the werld of fect ease and success beis greatness!--They may well writhe under the exposure of their FRES SYSTEK, by which they seek to obtain es sudiesce, while the daily assouncement of ous TRIOKS under www show the strait to which they ase driven! They have learned " their cost, that some of greater difficulty " Feels rash in where Angels fear to tread." For the time bere. Macallister will perfores hie than those by which Herr GREAT LIGHT FEAT Döbler astonished the AND INSTANTLY Iliuminate the Interior of the Theatre world, such as serving AT A PISTOL SHOT Requert, will be repeated the several kinds of wines MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE ANDITS from the same bottle." " GREAT GUN .FEAT!" or, FEAT A LA Wm. TELL. was - sine Wendes the em origimal MAGIC BOTTLE - The Morning Adver- ANCALLISTERS tiser (London) of the ORICINY same date said BOTR KINDS OF LIQUOR "With the utmost ease OUT or MACALLIITER'S he produced from an BOTTLE world that cas empty bottle wine, water, produce kinds of Liques and the same Dottle. port, sherry, and cham- ednesday Evening, August 11, 1852 pagne, and immediately wm be gives the Mystorics of the ENCHANTEDPALACE afterward, under a blaze Programme used by Macallister at the of wax and gas, he broke Bowe… | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,220 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 220 | THE INEXHAUSTIBLE BOTTLE viously been deposited under lock and key at a consider- able distance." Macallister, the Scotch brick-mason, who became the pupil and assistant of Phillippe, as described in the chapter on "The Pastry Cook of the Palais Royal," also Andrew Macallister as he appeared during his engagement in the United States. From the Harry Houdini Collection. claimed the bottle trick as his invention. I have been unable to obtain any of the early programmes used by Macallister, but I am reproducing the one he utilized during his engagement at the Bowery Theatre, New York City, in 1852. This was not his first appearance in 13 [ 193 ] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,221 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 221 | The original Compars Herrmann, who was Robert-Houdin's very active rival during the latter's first engagement in London. Best portrait now in existence, and only one showing Herrmann in his prime. Original photograph loaned for this work by James L. Kernan. of Baltimore, Md., U. S. A. [194] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,222 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 222 | THE INEXHAUSTIBLE BOTTLE New York, however. In December, 1848, and January, 1849, he played at the same theatre, and announced that he had just concluded a successful engagement at the Grand Theatre Tacon, Havana, Cuba. Although Macallister claims to have invented "The Inexhaustible Bottle" trick, it is more likely that, having been connected so long with Phillippe, he knew the secret several years before Robert-Houdin appeared in public. But as Macallister also claimed to have invented the peacock and the harlequin automata, both of which are recognized as the inventions of his predecessors, his claim cannot be given serious consideration. He advertised to produce twenty-two kinds of liquors from one bottle, and therefore he must have utilized the essence glasses in connection with the bottle. What must have been Robert-Houdin's feeling when, on arriving in London in 1848, he found another magician, Compars Herrmann, heavily advertised at the Théâtre Royal, and already offering each and every trick included by the Frenchman in his répertoire. Even the much- vaunted bottle was in Herrmann's list of tricks. No one seems able to tell where Compars Herrmann obtained the tricks he used, but he must be given credit for never advertising them as his own inventions. His record in this respect was clean throughout his life as a mysterious entertainer. The programme presented by Herrmann at the Théâtre Royal during Robert-Houdin's opening week at the St. James Theatre is herewith reproduced. Herrmann re- mained some time in London, playing at the Adelphia, then at the Royal Princess, and finally at the Surrey r 1 | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,223 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 223 | THE UNMASKING OF ROBERT-HOUDIN Theatre. A bill used by Herrmann at the Princess is reproduced on page 232. It evidently proved satisfactory to the public and he used it without change for many years. Probably the most notable warfare waged over the BOTAL, POGAM E le Velage dus Carte: with Nr. a. WESSTER, Sele Leisse - ou Bromptes. Le des Dames the - LA DOUTEILLE merna FAREWELL Rebia le Sercior, ( - - Le Poche the Mervelless MORNING Lee Noces de Canna: - Solme " - and Lee Colmmbee the LS CADRAN MATREMATICIEN; TME cseom. Le Timbre Soula, - - Restated Cleets Mell. Le - de - Nagique: The tome de Cartes et de magie New with Caste - Whitte MADONDE la - dus reages, esecule - de ville; The - porformed - - Brom. MAGIQUE CRAND NEW ILLUSIONS FROM Le SUSPENSION ET LE REENNE Commencing at Two o'Clock. WONDER OF THE WORLD: THIS MORNING. SATURDAY, May 6th, 1846, M. HERRMANN. (ou MANOVERN PREMIER PRESTIDICITATEUR OF FRANCE, 11 ... FIRST PROFESSOR OF MAGIO IN THE WORLD, the Nobility, Geeary . Puble general, thet be will - LAST A Morning Performance, SUSPENSTON ÉTHÉRÉENNE. Frevious to als departure se the provinces, and will Intreduce Six New Extraordinary Tricks, DOUBLE VUE! NEVER BEFORE : Or, Second Sight, L'Alben Heneveries; The Maseveriam Albsta. " Les Chapeses Diaboliquee: The Diabelical Mata, Le Cufre infernale: The Seformal MADAME HERRMANN. Le Vase d'Armite: - l'horiogerie de Geneve: Armida's Vase er, The Gemeva Cleckweek. WETE VARIOUS Le Mudtiplication des Indes: Les Mysteres de Perie; The of Paris, ILLUSIONS WITH CARDS no Endame MAGIE as performed - weeke simee as she Thentre Megral, Adelght, AND MADE HERRMANN + o , . 3 R Will also exbrbit her extraerdinary pevent of II IMITATION OF VABIOUS SECOND IME. REMANE. oa, ANTS MAGNETISM stalle and mexes en Doom egee at Osse the ay with Clesed Eyee, any objecte that may be submitted se thie preef, whica - assomished the mees acientifie, Billing used by Compars Herrmann when he played in opposition to Robert- Houdin on the latter's arrival in London. This shows that Herrmann dupli-… | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,224 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 224 | THE INEXHAUSTIBLE BOTTLE honor of having invented this trick arose between Robert- Houdin and Henri Robin, who were contemporaries. Robin, whose right name was Dunkell, was of Holland birth and died in Paris in 1874. He was at his prime PoGA LAY-MARKET - Evening. Tharsday, April seth. - a - - Manager, ou Le Velage des Cartes: with Carts. LE BOUTELLE INEPOISABLE; THE Mereary. T Arlogala le DisMe quetre, Mariogale, the Bevil. L'Egee Magigne: The Magle Sword. WONDER OF THE WORLD: L'Tacomotage de Lose et de Soliel the Saggier et the and the - LE CADRAN MATERMATICIEN: Les Colombes Sympothetiques: The Sympethetie Devea, Le Rie Enchente The La Cafetiore de Grend Megal The Coffee Pes or the Geand Megal Le - de - Magique: The Nogle Swestenks. She Last Two Nighte! Le frelerd Serpont The la Borme Magique: The Magle Stove la - du Poimon reage, execute - bebit de ville, The math of performed in - La Some tome dus Cartes et de - blanche; Now Masions wills Thursday, Saturday, - Whise Le Billet de Solomee Note. Les the Apens sea, and ns4s. des pieces de messaire: the TRAND NEW ILLUSIONS FROW M. HERRMANN. Le SUSPENSION THEREENNE - maseva PRESTIDICITATIUR OF PRANCE, om IN - - - SOIRÉES MAGIQUE it - - - the caly cosasions he cas SUSPENSION ÉTNÉREENNE. aggear is this Seasom. LE DOUBLE VUE! zm. EEREMANN Or, Second Sight, BY was - MADAME EERRMANN. New anes Startling y WETHE VARIOUS . vasions paste . - ILLUSIONS WITH CARDS AND MAGIE MADE. HERRMANN AND , - - - - ber gevere os BECOND SIGHT: II IMITATION OF VABIOUS BIRDS, ar HEREMANE. INTI-MAGNETISM asalle a Boxes &u. PK Se. Galleries 2s. a ls. Second Price as N ine o'cloek. ages, any that may be Deses opee Malf-past Seven: the Performance Eight . se Plases 1 A Herrmann programme dated April, 1848, showing that Herrmann pre- sented the inexhaustible bottle two months before Robert-Houdin appeared in London. [ 197 ] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,225 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 225 | THE UNMASKING OF ROBERT-HOUDIN about 1839-40, when he toured the Continent. He was popular in London, Paris, and both the English and French provinces. A polished man, famous for the elegance of his speech and manners, he conducted his performance Henri Robin, generally conceded to have been the most polished conjurer in the history of magic. From the Harry Houdini Collection. and all his business in a quiet, conservative fashion. In both Paris and London, he had playhouses named tem- porarily in his honor, Salle de Robin, and at one time in [ 198 ] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,226 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 226 | THE INEXHAUSTIBLE BOTTLE London he also appeared at the Egyptian Hall. He published his own magazine, L' Almanach d'Cagliostro, an illustrated periodical which was quite pretentious. Robin presented all the tricks and automata that Robert-Houdin claimed as his original inventions, and in the famous controversy, Robert-Houdin came out second best. Robin proved that he had used the bottle trick before Robert-Houdin did, by showing back numbers of his magazine, whose illustrations pictured Robin perform- ing the trick at his theatre in Milan, Italy, July 6th, 1844, or three years before Robert-Houdin presented it in Paris. Robin, however, never wrote an autobiography nor any exhaustive work dealing with the history of magic, while Robert-Houdin did. The latter set forth his claims over other magicians so skilfully that for more than half a century the intelligent and thoughtful reading public has been deceived and has accepted his statements as authoritative. According to an article published in L'Illusionniste, scientists to this day, in explaining the law of physics as operated by the use of air-holes in the inexhaustible bottle, refer to it as the "Robert-Houdin bottle," when in reality the honor of its invention belongs to some obscure mechanic or magician whose name must remain forever unsung by writers on magic. [ 199 ] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,227 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 227 | CHAPTER VII SECOND SIGHT E VIDENTLY second sight was the foundation- stone of Robert-Houdin's success. Reading be- tween the lines of his autobiography, one finds that this was the trick which carried him into the salons of fashion and royalty. Before he introduced second sight into his répertoire, his tricks were so com- monplace that they did not arouse the interest of the court circle, whose approval furnished the seal of success. This trick of second sight he claims body and soul, as the favorite child of his brain. He even goes as far as to relate a story to prove that the trick came to him in the form of an inspiration. I quote directly from the American edition of his "Memoirs," page 255: "My two children were playing one day in the drawing- room at a game they had invented for their own amuse- ment; the younger had bandaged his elder brother's eyes and made him guess the objects that he touched, and when the latter happened to guess right they changed places. This simple game suggested to me the most complicated idea that ever crossed my mind. Pursued by the notion, I ran and shut myself in my workshop, and was fortunately in that happy state when the mind follows easily the combinations traced by fancy. I rested my head in my hands, and in my excitement laid down the first principles of second sight." [200] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,228 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 228 | SECOND SIGHT Then, picking up the long idle quill of Baron Mun- chausen, he proceeds to explain the methods by which he perfected the trick and trained his son. To the layman these methods read most entertainingly. To the expe- rienced conjurer or his humblest assistant they appeal as absurd and impossible, a sheer waste of time, of which Robert-Houdin and his son Emile, presenting second sight. Here the bell is used as it was by Henri Robin. From an illustration in the original French edition of the Robert-Houdin "Memoirs." a man who reproduced the tricks of his predecessors as rapidly as Robert-Houdin did, would not be guilty. He claims to have trained the eye and memory of his son, by leading the latter past shop windows, and after allowing him one glance, demanding the names of articles seen at this single glance. When the boy could mention forty things after passing the window, his education was pronounced good. Robert-Houdin also tells in his [201] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,229 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 229 | Robert and Haidee Heller from photographs taken at the time that they were presenting second sight accord- ing to the Robert-Houdin method by an electric code. From the Harry Houdini Collection. | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,230 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 230 | SECOND SIGHT "Memoirs" of spending hours with his son in poring over an enormous collection of coins, medals, etc., which severe lesson helped them both in future performances. To the conjurer, this tale is farcical. Not only was there no need of forcing the boy to become a coin expert, but the task was one which could not be accomplished in the brief time which Robert-Houdin allowed himself for perfecting the trick. The only knowledge required about coins is to recognize a coin when you see it. Some one may hand a coin of peculiar stamp, and the operator must signal to his medium the metal and all he knows about it. Of course, if both know the various coins, then they can understand each other with less signaling than if the coins were unfamiliar to either. Inaudi, the French calculator, can look at a blackboard filled with numbers for a few seconds, then turn his back upon them and add the entire amount that he has just seen and memorized. But let the reader understand that Inaudi is peculiarly gifted by nature, while second sight is a trick in which the person on the stage known as the medium is assisted by words, signs, prearranged movements, or articles or figures in rotation, which to the layman have the appearance of being unprepared. At a familiar cue, however, the operator touches articles that have been memorized, a ring, a watch, a scarf-pin, a lady's fan, an opera glass, all in rotation. At a snap of the fingers the medium will know that the articles are to be named in consecutive order, and only after the snap of the fingers or another cue agreed upon. Robert-Houdin presented the trick for the first time [203] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,231 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 231 | NEW STRAND THEATRE. C SOIREZE MYSTÉRIEUSES DE ROBERT HELLER. These elegant and original Performances will be given at the above Theatre C Commencing at 8 A MORNING PERFORMANCE EVERY MONDAT TEUREDAY, AT HALF-PAST 2 O'CLOCK. On each occasion will be presented the following inexplicable experiments, invented and performed by Ecbert Heller. PART I. The Cabaliatic Clock Le pendule Cabalistique The Obedient Dove La colombe Obéimente The Fans and Balle Les eventails et les boulets de Canons The Plumes of Feathers Les plumes The Basket of Flowers La corbeille de Flueis 000 The Marvelious Orange Tree. L'Oranger PART II. The Mysterious Port-folio Port-feuille mysterieus The Mystic Boquet Le bouquet mystique The Wonderful Balance L'equilibre The Automaton Cook Le cuisnier automate The Safety Casket L'écrin de Sureté The Magio filtration Le filtration magique PART III. THE SECOND SIGHT I LA SECONDE VUE or ERNEST HELLER. ESCAMOTAGE or ERNEST HELLER WHO WILL VANISH FROM THS ETES or THE AUDIENCE The Bottle LA bouteille The cornucopies Le corne d'abondance From which Fana, Toys, Bonbons, Journals, &c. will be shovered upon the audience in the greatest profusion. Dears de epm at 7, and at sfer the Morning - PRIVATE moxes 1s. a £1 11s 6d. Stalls 3a.; Boxes Pit Gellery 6d. The Bes Cillee epea from " to & dally: where Tickets and Finses may be secured. a - Programme used by Robert Heller in 1851-52, when he was about e years of age. Probably the only programme of this date in existence. in the Harry Houdini Collection. [2041 | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,232 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 232 | SECOND SIGHT at his own theatre, February I2th, 1846. Unquestionably at this time he employed the speaking code, wherein the answer is contained in the question asked of the medium by the performer. As he describes scene after scene in which he and his son participated, it is almost possible for a conjurer or any one interested in magic to follow his code. Apparently the amusement-loving public be- came familiar with his speaking code, for three years later, according to the illustrated appendix of the French edition of his "Memoirs," he adopted a code of signals, which he states was especially arranged to confuse those whom he terms his "fearless discoverers." A mysterious bell was used in this connection, but he admits that it mattered not whether the bell struck or was silent, his son could name the object under consid- eration or answer the question. While Robert-Houdin asserts that he did not employ electricity for working his silent code, investigations make it almost certain that this was the method used. It is known throughout the world of conjuring that in 1850-51 Robert Heller (William Henry Palmer) reproduced Robert-Houdin's entire répertoire of tricks, with the exception of the suspension, and all worked precisely by Robert-Houdin's methods. In the second-sight trick, which he first presented with a young man as the medium, then later with Miss Haidee Heller, the medium was seated on a sofa fully equipped with wires and electric batteries. Heller's second sight was worked with both the speaking and silent codes. His confederate was concealed behind the scenes watching Heller through a peep-hole, or possibly he used another, seated in the au- dience, and had the wires strung under his chair, arranging [ 205 | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,233 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 233 | MELODEON FOR POBITIVELY TWO WEEKS ONLY. MONDAY, MAY 15TH, FIRST NIGHT or ROBEAT THE FAMOUS SOMATIC CONJURER, PIANO-SOLOIST AND CAUSEUR, wae MAS rest ass 365TH PERFORMANCE IN NEW YORK, Belag . career " success which . other Conjurer has, et asy time, accemplished le that eity, PART 1.-MAGIC. WONDER 1 HELLER'S CABALISTIC CLOCK WONDER II. THE ERIAL DELI. VONDER III INPORNAD celebrated Patent Mediciné Ware- bouse in the Netherlund WONDER IV THE_ WITCHES POLE, with singular developments in Cartomancy WONDER V ANIMATED DOLLARS, with Life and Intellegence Manifested WONDER VI. HELLER'S ARABESQUE RINGS WONDER VII THE DEVIL'S PUNCHBOWL PART II-MUSIC. No. & GRAND FANTASIA on Airs from the "Sonnambula" of Thalberg, performed by ROBERT HELLER, on Steinway's Grand Pianoforte. No. 3 Ma Laughable Description the Piano-practice of a Boarding School Young Lady.-Illustrated. The Young Lady by Robert Heller. PART II.--MBTE. 200. 2. HELLER'S SECOND-SIGHT MYSTERY Anvented by Sim, by éle and which has made bie colebrity frota hio appresesee in public, being designated as No. PLUMES OF VICTORY . wisse PART PARLOR KAOIC, or Tricks Made Ensy, every - person in the Audiends not , only shown the Tricks, but taught publicly how to do them, do that they may go and start out asconjurers for them esivesani achieve as great a fortune as bas fallen to the lot of Rosear, Poster used by Robert Heller during his Boston engagement in 1853. From the Harry Houdini Collection. [206] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,234 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 234 | SECOND SIGHT the signal button so that it could be easily reached on the arm or front part of the seat. The receiving instrument was attached to the sofa on which the medium was seated. The latter would be silently informed as to what was being shown and would answer all questions. As proof that these statements are not mere hearsay, the Heller sofa can now be seen in the possession of Mr. Francis J. Martinka, of New York; and Dr. W. Golden Mortimer, who once presented "Mortimer's Mysteries," a show on the style of Heller's performance, furnishes the information that when Heller died in Philadelphia, November 28th, 1878, he engaged the dead magician's chief assistant, an expert electrician named E. J. Dale, who had acted as secret confederate, assisting the medium. After travelling with Mortimer some time, Dale eventu- ally returned to England, and retired from the profession. He opened a large shop in London under the firm name of H. & E. J. Dale, Manufacturing Electricians, 4 Little Britain, E. C., in October, 1882. It was the easiest thing imaginable for Robert-Houdin to have his theatre arranged with secret confederates and wires back of the scenes, where a man with powerful opera-glasses could stand. The place being small, he could look all over the room and see the minutest article. When not making use of the talking code; the simplest method employed by second-sight artists is to have a con- federate in the audience, with either an electrical push but- ton or a pneumatic bulb, who gives the medium the signal. This is received by a miniature piston, which requires only a small hole in the stage, while the medium has a matching hole in the sole of his shoc. This allows the [207] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,235 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 235 | THE UNMASKING OF ROBERT-HOUDIN piston to touch the sole of the foot whenever the con- federate presses the bulb or pushes the button. From this array of facts it will be seen that second sight is and always has been a matter of well-drilled phrases or signals, prearranged rotation of articles, well-built The author at the long-neglected grave of Robert Heller, in Mt. Moriah Cemetery, Philadelphia, U. S. A. From a photograph in the Harry Houdini Collection. apparatus or well-trained confederates, but never a feat of actual thought-transferrence. Some of Robert-Houdin's ardent supporters insist that in claiming the invention or discovery of second sight, the French conjurer was merely an unconscious plagiarist, [208] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,236 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 236 | SECOND SIGHT having stumbled upon, quite by accident, a trick which he did not know that others had offered before him. Such a statement is illogical and absurd. Books of magic to which Robert-Houdin had access and which he admits having read describe the trick in a more or less crude form. Pinetti, whose tricks were fully described to Robert-Houdin by his old friend Torrini, used the second-sight mystification with excellent effect. Robert- Houdin could not have been ignorant of its existence as a trick. In making the claim to its discovery in his "Memoirs" he simply trusted to the ignorance of the reading public in the history of magic. According to programmes and newspaper clippings in my collection, Philip Breslaw was the first conjurer to feat- ure second sight in his performance. Breslaw was a clever German who so established himself in the hearts of amusement-loving Englishmen that he remained in England for forty years, dying in Liverpool in 1803. In 1781, while playing at Greenwood's Rooms, Haymarket, London, he announced as Part One of his entertainment: "Mr. Breslaw will exhibit his new magical deceptions, Letters, Medals, Dice, Pocket pieces, Rings, etc., etc., and particularly communicate the thoughts of any person to another without the assistance of speech or writing." Pinetti comes next as an eminent presenter of second sight. Between these two well-known conjurers there may have been various unimportant, unchronicled per- formers who made use of Breslaw's trick, but they have no place in the history of magic. The trick appeared on a Pinetti programme at the Royal Haymarket, London, England, December ist, 1784, 14 [209] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,237 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 237 | THE UNMASKING OF ROBERT-HOUDIN almost sixty-two years before Robert-Houdin presented it as his original invention. The London Morning Post and Daily Advertiser of H A Y . M A R K E TI By PERMISSION of the LORD CHAMBERLAIN, Signor and Signora PINETTP S Molt grand, aitotifining and inimitable N E W E X FI IB L: T I o N, A T the Theatre-Royal, in the-Hay-Market, TO-MORROW, Decembier 2, $ guor PINET r', Knight of the Order of Merit of St. Philip, &c. &c. with all duc deference informs the publick, that be is juft returned from Windfor, and that he will, by the above permillion, open agáin this Theatre on Thurfday aud philofophical and abfolutely pieces, which inimitable, his recchanical, deep wonderful, ferutiny phyfical jo aud with his Confort, will-exhibit moft recent thofe friences, and afliJuous exertique have enhabled him to inyent and confruct among wh;ch Siguora Pinetti will have the fperia honour and facisfaction of exhibiting vari- cus experiments of new difcovery, no lefs zurious than ficmingly incredible, particularly that af her being feated in one of the front hoxes with an handkerchicf over hes ryes, and guefa at every thing imagined and propefed to ber, by any perfon in the company. Signor Pinetti being moit unsious and ambitious of re- reiving the countenance and farction of this great and dif- terming nation, in his endeayours It fhall ba his conftant Audy Nill to find out nteans which mày euable him to: prc- Tent, at interavals, mon curinus, furprizing, and interelling original pieces befote the publick during his thort my in never but ever difplay thiskingdom what inof of which his of pieces, invention hie having and been difrovery, honoured producing approbation, and with in only the own a written teltimony Britanuic Majefty's figned with his own hand (befides being poffelled of carti- ficases of the like niture from Several other Sqvereigns) hunably bopes and Lolicits for the continuance of that pir tromage and encouragement, which he moft gratefully ac- knowledges to have already fo impartially:… | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,238 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 238 | SECOND SIGHT The talking code employed by Pinetti was not original with him, as it dates back to the automaton worked by a concealed confederate who controlled the piston for the mechanical figure or pulled the strings to manipulate the dancing coins or moving head. It was novel only in its application to the supposed thought-transferrence by a human being instead of an automaton. This code is described by various reliable authors. On page 388, Volume III. of Hooper's "Recreations," edition 1782, it is stated that the confederate worked the apparatus from another room. "By certain words, previ- ously agreed on, make it known to the confederate," is the advice given to would-be conjurers. Beckman in his "History of Inventions" relates that he knew an exhibitor of a "talking figure" whose con- cealed confederate was cued to answer certain questions, the answers being given in the manner of putting the question, also by different signs. These instructions will be found on page 3II of Volume II., edition of 1817. Decremps undertook to expose Pinetti's method of working the second-sight trick in his famous book, but in this attempt he scored one of the few failures which marked the bitter fight he waged against Pinetti. In his book "La Magie Blanche Dévoilée" (White Magic Exposed), first edition, 1784, he offers on page 40 "Les Cartes dévinées, les yeux bandés" (The Divination of Cards with the Eyes Blindfolded). In this feat Decremps explains that Pinetti would allow cards to be drawn, then a lady (Signora Pinetti) would appear on the stage, would be blindfolded, and would name all the cards that were drawn. Decremps explains the prearranged pack of 1 | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,239 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 239 | UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF His Most Gracious Majesty WILLIAMIV. The Wonderfal DOUBLE" SIGHTED Phaeno- menon: Young Master M 'KEAN, Since his arrival in London, has had the honor of performing (on Friday, Dec. 23rd. 1831,) before their Master M'KEAN, only . Years old! ONK or Most Gracious Majesties & Prince George. GREATEST PRODIGIES of the Age His Grace the Duke of Argyle. Has just returned from the Pavilion at Brighton: His Grace the Duke of Gordon. Towhich plare be lad de heaer of a Sperial Conmand, aud is again exhibiting his mest His Grace the Bruke of St. Albans and Duchess. At the Egyptian Hall Bazaar, Piccadilly. Her Grace the Dachess of Nortbumberland. The Rt. Hon. the Earl of Coventry. In addition to his performance before thair MASESTIES and their Court, this The Rt. Hon. the Earl of Errol. extraordinary Child, siace his arrisal in Town, has had the bonor to exhibit his sur- prising talent before several of the Nobility of the highest rank, wheee admiration and The Rt. Hon. the Earl of Bellast. astoniehment have heen uniformly expresaed in the strongest terma. The Rt. Hon. the Earl and Countess of Morley. The fuculty which be possesses has defied the research of all the Medical men, by whom he has been seen-a faculty. which enables him to distingruish colour, read either The Rt. Hon the Countess of Essex. print or manuscript, tell the hour of the day on a watch, or declare any other fact as pra- The Rt. Hon. Lord Adolphus Fitzelarence misely R$ the cleverest sighted person, although his eyes are at the time, completely The Rt. Hon. Lord Augustus Fitzelarence. blindfolded, and his back turned to the object of examination. Anning other aurprising performances, may be mentimed the fallowing The Rt. Hon. the Viscountess Faulkland. He will read in English, Latin, French, or Italian. Any one present may insert The Rt. Hon. Lord and Lady Dever names or figures ad libitum, and he will instantly presounce the same, and tell the Sir Edward, Sir Arthur Berkeley, & Lady Paget. name of esch figure separately, and their … | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,240 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 240 | SECOND SIGHT cards for this trick, also outlining the manner of giving the medium the cue for certain phrases. For instance, while explaining to the audience that he will not speak at all, in the very sentences addressed to the spectators he informs the medium which cards have been selected. Pinetti's code must have been clever, as Decremps was unable to explain the entire second-sight act. He has omitted the principal part of the mystification, that is, naming the articles held up for the performer to see. That the card trick was only one test of his second-sight performance, and that Pinetti's medium did not retire after naming the cards, are facts shown by the following clipping from one of his announcements: "Signora Pinetti will have the special honor and satis- faction of exhibiting various experiments of new discovery, no less curious than seemingly incredible, particularly that of her being seated in one of the front boxes with an handkerchief over her eyes, and guess at everything imagined and proposed to her by any person in the company." Third on the list of second-sight performers, according to the data in my collection, was Louis Gordon M'Kean, who created a sensation at the Egyptian Hall Bazaar, Piccadilly, London, in 1831, or fifteen years before Robert- Houdin, according to his claims, "discovered" second sight. Young M'Kean was featured as possessing dou- ble, not second, sight, and one of his bills is reproduced on page 212. Another programme in my collection, dated the Théâtre Scarboro, Friday evening, August 4th, 1837, announces "For a limited engagement of three nights the Three [ 213 ] 1 | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,241 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 241 | THE UNMASKING OF ROBERT-HOUDIN Talented Highlanders and most extraordinary Second- Sighted Young Highlanders." These lads, I believe, were three brothers, one the original M'Kean, or the latter working in conjunction with two other boys trained to the tricks in order to secure more impressive results. The trio appeared 1897 Decoration on the broadside used to advertise a young Dutchwoman who created a sensation in the early part of the eighteenth century. From the Harry Houdini Collection. eight years before Robert-Houdin became a professional entertainer. Holland also contributed a successful performer of second-sight tricks, the medium in this case being a Dutchwoman who created a profound sensation while [ 214] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,242 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 242 | enormous poster which would be unintelligible if reduced to a size suitable for reproduction. It is now a part of my collection and reads as follows: "The Holland Maid, Twenty Years of Age, from Am- sterdam, whose powers, both in her residence there and in all other places to which she has gonc, have excited the Formemance of the ISTEOUS LADY. 8 The peculiar acquirements and faculties of this highly Talented Lady are almost beyond the reach of description. By some unknown and EXTRAORDINARY ENDOYMENT She is enable. to declare the names of articles produced by the company, although aitting at a distance of 50 to 60 feet, with her face turned from the audience? She will also divine the whispered wish ot any one. although satisfactorily out of hearing. She will also, describe the dress, ornaments, &c. of any iudividual who may wish it, with an accuracy truly surprising; upon a card being selected from a pack, she will declare its name; but as the performance varies and depends in a great measure on the pleasure of the company, no regular routine can be speci- Sied, but of this the company may rest assured that every consistent stiort will be used to gratify and afford them satisfaction. Reproduction of original billing matter used by the mysterious lady who offered second sight in the United States in 1841-42-43. From the Harry Houdini Collection. great astonishment and much applause, and she will also in this place endeavor to obtain the same tribute of public applause. She will after the exhibition place herself before the eyes of all the spectators on the outside and gravely stand thereon and at all times give an answer of assurance to any one present to whom her judgment in all questions gives the most accurate response. She con- trives also by her acuteness to discover and reply to the [ 215] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,243 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 243 | THE UNMASKING OF ROBERT-HOUDIN least thought, not until then explored. She guesses the age of every one, whether they be married or not; how many children they have, of what sex, and whether they be living or dead at the present time, etc. She does the like for any one having a chance in the lottery, as to what is its number, and what will be its share of gains. She the MYSTERIOUS LADY, Reproduction of the cut used on the mysterious lady's handbills, distributed in America in 1841. From the Harry Houdini Collection. also guesses at every one of the most different sorts of coin, and even at the year with which they were stamped. She guesses at every number which any one shall secretly set down, even though it amount to upward a million. She moreover tells exactly whether any one be in the [216] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,244 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 244 | SECOND SIGHT Army, under how many Monarchs he has served, in how many battles he has been engaged, and whether he has ever been wounded and how many wounds he has received. By throwing the Dice, she will every time exactly tell the very number of spots which may have been determined on." This wordy announcement is signed by W. Sahm, of Holland. In my collection there is also an interesting handbill ad- vertising the tour of "The Mysterious Lady" who offered second-sight tricks in the eastern part of the United States in 1842-43. Her name was never stated on the programmes, but the latter, together with a clipping dated Boston, February 20th, 1843, will suffice to prove my claim that she was offering second-sight before Robert-Houdin did, and therefore could not be copying his trick. She also appeared in England fully a year before Robert-Houdin "discovered" second sight. Henri Robin and his wife featured second sight in Italy just when Robert-Houdin first offered it in Paris. It is barely possible that they antedated Robert-Houdin in the production of this trick, for I have in my collection a brochure entitled "Album des Soirées de M. et Mme. Robin," which contains an engraving of the couple offer- ing second-sight, a short poem in honor of Mme. Robin's remarkable gifts as a second-sight artist, and a poem generally eulogistic of M. Robin's talents dated distinctly February 7th, 1846. Robert-Houdin presented second- sight for the first time, according to his own "Memoirs," on February 12th, 1846. To prove the utter folly of Robert-Houdin's claims to [ 217] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,245 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 245 | SECONDE VUE DE M ROBIN: Second sight as offered by M. and Mme. Robin, in which Robin employed the bell and the goblet. From the latter she sipped liquor, claiming it tasted like the wine secretly named by a spectator. Robin's stage was equipped with electrical appliances. From the Harry Houdini Collection. | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,246 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 246 | SECOND SIGHT having trained his son's eye and memory by patient effort so as to have a mutual transferrence of thought, I will next show that animals had been trained for years to do tricks by secret signals before the alleged "discovery" of second sight. Two rare old bills in my collection advertise the mar- vellous "mind-reading" performances of a goose and a blindfolded dog respectively. The first, dated 1789, announces that a Mr. Beckett, a trunk-maker of No. 3I Haymarket, is exhibiting "a Learned Goose, just lately arrived from abroad. "It performs the following tricks: performing upon cards, money, and watches, telling the time of the month, year, and date, also the value of any piece either English or foreign, distinguishing all sorts of colors and (most prodigiously and certainly unbelieving to those who know the intellects of a goose) she tells the number of ladies and gentlemen in the company or any person's thoughts; any lady or gentleman drawing a card out of the pack, though ever so secret, the Goose, blindfolded at the same time, will find out the card they drew. Admittance two shillings each person." The second bill features Don Carlo, the Double- Sighted dog, which gave an exhibition of his mysterious skill at the Pavillion by special command, before King William and the royal family on December 17th, 1831. This dog was blindfolded and could present almost in duplicate the second-sight tests offered by the Highland lad who five days later gave a similar exhibition before the royal family at the same place. This proof regarding the use of animals as "mediums" | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,247 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 247 | THE UNMASKING OF ROBERT-HOUDIN is offered not to belittle the human mediums, but to prove that from start to finish, from the day that Breslaw offered the trick to the present moment, when a number To the Public in general, and thofe of real Knowledge Particularly. To be teen from Tea m the Morning. 6ll Four is the Afternean At Mr. BECKET's, Thank Maker, No. 3r. HAY. - MARKET. Alter all thet has been produced in the Warld, fagacious of the Annial Species, Learnid Pig, the Dancing Dosa &c &c. and which have been acceptad, and acknew ledged with Truff, as WONDERS, Ivt in the fame time, of natural intelle that who could belleve, (exeept feeing,) that themeR Stupid and Infenfate of the CRE ATION Could be Brought to fuch a degree of Sagacity, and Wunderful Learning. of Hunenur Animal Tricks, as the Prodigious G S E, Pids ct Crede Lately arrived from Abroad. Whan spropity before acandid and Public, to levite them to fee, and be Fithe Durrag arfucha (for have a a a particalar sckined fram them - Agilitad as the misd - gevinally (s. Aveg OF LETE le will furdy find, and asknowlar ge to the Adfere A LEARNED GOOSE Who Performs the following Tricke, viz. Perfonning upon Cards, Maney and Watches; telling the Day of the Manth, andtle Month of the Year, as allo the value of any Plece, éither English or Foreign: all furte ard (meft prodigioully. and certainly unbelieuing to thaie who lonow the of . Gouse.) the tells Ladias and Gentlemen in the Company; uf any Perfon's thought ay at Lady drawing of the Pack, thoughever fo fectet blindfoldad at the faine time will And out the draw, It Te aut of the compsis efa Bilt, to enumerate all the Tricks the doa befides. Admittaner, Tua Shillings each Poyun. Rare poster announcing the performance of the learned goose, one of the first of the second-sight animal artists. Traced from the original poster in the British Museum by the author. of skilful so-called mind-readers still mystify the public, some sort of speaking or signal code has been used. Rob- [220] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,248 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 248 | SECOND SIGHT ert-Houdin used both the speaking and the signal code, but so did Breslaw, and all evidence points to the fact that Robert-Houdin merely improved upon the trick em- ployed by Breslaw, Pinetti, and others THE DOUBLE-SIGHTED among his predeces- Beautiful Hog, sors in magic, by uti- CARLOS, zs sow sas lizing the newly found Egyptian Hall, Piccadilly, UNDER THE assistant to the magi- Patronage of the KING & Royal Family. cian, electricity. In his tiny theatre it would have been entirely feasible to have had TRIS astonishing Animal is from New York, whose sagacity and decility have beea the surprise and admiration of all who have witneesed performances, parti. electric wires run from cularly at Basontow, where Mr. HAMINOTON had the bonour of exhibiting, on the 17th of Dec. 1831, Dow CARLOS' wonderfal abilities, by special Command before all points of the audi- His Most Gracious Majesty William IV. an D ROTAL PAMILY. At the Pavilion; on which occasion hie Majesty and thr tyal Pivinily were pleased torium to the stage, to express the approbation and delight they experiences, as his most extraordinary performances. A visit to this haif-reasoning Dog will amply gratify the levers of Nature's works. This very extraordinary and handsome creature is a Spaniel of the thus doing away with true Spanish breed, and in addition to his wonderful faculties, is of so mild and tract- ables dispesition, that he may be managed by a child with perfect case and enfety. Ris acquirements consist chiefy of Performances with Cards, wherein he displaye both the speaking and the greatest precision. He will also select the handsomest Lady lé the Room, - cording to his judgment (which is seldom.questioned), eldest de youngest Pereom, . say question put by the Company, and the Gentleman most partial to the Ladico. ordinary signal codes, DON CARLOS IS NOW FOR SALE: His price is Fifty Guineas. The present owner of this beautiful animal would be happy to let him accompany him to America, for which be will shortly embark, but even the pne… | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,249 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 249 | CHAPTER VIII THE SUSPENSION TRICK I' N chapters XVI. and XVII. of the American edition of his "Memoirs," Robert-Houdin states that he closed his theatre during the months of July, August, and September, 1847, and devoted his time to producing new tricks for the coming season. He chron- icles as the result of these labors the following additions to his répertoire: "The Crystal Box," "The Fantastic Portfolio," "The Trapeze Tumbler, "The Garde Fran- çaise," "The Origin of Flowers," "The Crystal Balls," "The Inexhaustible Bottle," "The Ethereal Suspension," etc. Had these inventions really been original with the man who claimed them as the result of his own brain-work and handicraft, three years would not have sufficed to bring them to the perfection in which they were presented at that time. It is not always the actual work that makes a trick a success, nor the material from which it is con- structed, but it takes time to plan a new trick; and then after you have worked out the idea, it takes more time to make it practical. The same piece of apparatus may have to be made dozens of times, in as many shapes, before it is presentable. Therefore, when Robert-Houdin claims to have invented and built with his own hands the tricks mentioned in the list given above, it is time to prove the improbability and falsity of his statements. [222] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,250 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 250 | TATERLOO For me Few the PATRONAGE OF HER H. PRINCE ALBERT, a THE ROYAL FAMILY, Aud as represented by at me of * - AT ALL THE COURTS OF EUROPE. This Grent Artito of in the Art of Magio, Inventor of the Insxhanstible Bottle, the Suspension the Kegle Punch Bowl, the Second Sight, and . great sumber of other Tricks, is a Member of the Bociety in Pariz, and the only Conjuror who bes received Notional Rewards of Morit for bis Uuparalleled Thisks Magle Transformations and Astomatons, which have astomished and delighted the Sciontine Mep of overz will mot, in of ammeroms Engagemente, be able to remain mose than . limited period in -x- OBLEBRATED French Conjuror, Propricter & Manager of the Palais-Royal Theatre, & late of St James' Theatre, Londen, WILL orve A SERIES or MAGIC SOIREES FANTASTIQUES:! CONMENCING ox THS EVENING os Monday, June 14, 1852. General reox WEICE A SELECTION WILL BE OIVEN RACH EVENINO. The Gorfoind of Mewers Navele Antente (Mechanic Flece) The Transparent Casket the of - of the The Imexhanstible Bettle The Nagle Oupper toa of Rebert Noudin The Glass of Wise, or the Secret of The The Turtie Boves a Contrabendist - Impossibility realiteed The Enchented Cravat, producing The Miracuions Fishery The Irea Crowa Fenthers, de. The Orange, Lemen, and Walunt The Narvellous Orange Tree The Sugar Loaf The Unifilited of The Gomims of Reses The Socond Nght, witheut any Ques Severeigne The Book des The Bell-riager (Mechanic Pleee) The The The Flewer Basket The Nagmotined Cards The Magie Pertiolle The Neapelitam Mariequia The Remertable The Ball of Lambr Weel The Feather and Cannom Ball the Caballatie arying Aurici (Mechamical Plece) The Great The Sporismes - Cupté The Exercise of as Auto- The Emperer Nicholas The Impressice mates The Two Lemons The Orystal Delle The Ariel Gleck The Phenix Pecket Handkerchief The Colome and Glove The Sugpension Chieroforeeme The Magle Tableam The of Flowerp The Young Saveyard (Mechanic Plece) The Swerd WONDROUS PUNCH BOWL, As - New Trick, producing BON-BONS and PUNCH, ed libitum. De… | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,251 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 251 | THE UNMASKING OF ROBERT-HOUDIN Inventions are a matter of evolution, but as the tricks which Robert-Houdin presented in his new répertoire were not new, he was able to offer them as the result of three months' work. To the expert mechanician or builder of conjuring apparatus his claim is farcical. The ST. JAMESS THEATRE, - - STs THRATRE - DAY PERFORMANCE - WEDVESDAY MORMING 1846 suns 7, 1848 SOIREES A ALMO - SOIREES ANTASTIQUES, - ov - at TUESDAY, THURSDAY, TUESDAY, THURSDAY, SATURDAY EVENINGS, SATURDAY EVENINGS, - a - - - INVENTSD SV - - - - - - - - - - is . the - - - - - - . - - - - - E - . - - - - - - - - n - - 2 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --- Sottle, vea .... -- SESPENSION vva, sa Parvars - Poster used by Robert-Houdin during his first London engagement, featuring suspension. From the Harry Houdini Collection. majority of the tricks mentioned require skilled hands and infinite patience, if they work in a way that will completely deceive the public. Particularly is this true of the first suspension apparatus such as Robert-Houdin must have used. This included a steel corset or frame for the sub- ject, and both the corset and the supporting rods had to [224] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,252 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 252 | THE SUSPENSION TRICK be strong, invisible to the audience, and still be perfect in mechanism. Robert-Houdin, with characteristic ambiguity, does not refer to a complicated mechanism, but lays stress on his ability to keep his tricks up-to-date and in line with popular movements of the hour. In writing of the sus- pension trick, he gives the impression that but for the sensation created by the use of ether as an anzesthetic he would never have thought out the new trick. His own words as presented on page 3I2 of the American edition of his "Memoirs" are reproduced in this connection : "It will be remembered that in 1847 the insensibility produced by inhaling ether began to be applied to surgical operations; all the world talked about the marvellous effect of this anzesthetic and its extraordinary results. In the eyes of the people it seemed much akin to magic. Seeing that the surgeons had invaded my domain, I asked myself if this did not allow me to make reprisals. I did so by inventing my ethereal suspension, which I believe was far more surprising than any result obtained by my surgical brethren. This trick was much applauded, and I am bound to say that my arrangements were excellently made. This was the first time that I tried to direct the surprise of my spectators by gradually heightening it up to the next moment, when, so to speak, it exploded." While Robert-Houdin, in his "Memoirs," claims to have invented the trick for the season of 1847-48, in the illustrated appendix of the French edition he states that the first production of the trick, with improvements, was in October, 1849. The improvement consisted of working the trick with a stool upon a platform, when, previous to 15 [225] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,253 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 253 | THE UNMASKING OF ROBERT-HOUDIN this date, he had used only the ordinary platform and rod. During the course of researches covering many years, during which I visited national libraries in various coun- tries, the first trace of the suspension trick was discovered in the writings of Ian Batuta, who flourished about the thirteenth century. He mentions two conjurers who per- formed before the court of the Mogul in Delhi. One of the men assumed the form of a cube and rose into the air, where he remained suspended. The other man then took off his shoe, struck it against a rock, and it also rose and hung in midair, close to the suspended conjurer or human cube. On being touched on the neck, the cube descended to the ground, and the conjurer resumed his natural form. The historical verity of this tale cannot be determined, and it may be classed with the familiar story which crops up periodically, describing the ball of cord thrown into the air for a youth to climb into the clouds. Once out of sight, the youth is said to draw the cord up after him; then presently a leg falls from the unseen heights, then another, followed by an arm, a rib or two, and so on until the entire body is scattered upon the ground, the head coming last with the neck standing upward. At the command of the magician, the body seems to crawl together, so runs the tale, and eventually the youth stands up to be examined by the astonished populace. These stories belong in the very first of the travellers' tales. In 1356 Sir John Mandeville, called by some au- thorities "the Father of English Prose," after travelling thirty-four years, published a book detailing some of his marvellous "witnessings." Though many of his stories [226] - | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,254 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 254 | Die Chineilche Reproduction of an engraving in an old German Encyclopaedia in the Harry Houdini Collection, which credits to the Chinese the trick of climbing into the air and having the body fall down piecemeal and being set together again. | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,255 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 255 | THE UNMASKING OF ROBERT-HOUDIN are absolutely impossible, yet so popular did his works become that, barring the Scriptures, more copies and manuscripts of the books containing his various "Magi- cian Stories" have been handed down to posterity and exist to-day than any works of his contemporaries. Still, Mandeville did not mention this suspension trick, which is sometimes attributed to the Chinese and some- times to the Hindoos. In Cologne, Germany, I purchased an encyclopaedia, published in 1684, from which I reproduce a double- page engraving, which shows the Chinese magicians doing the tricks previously accredited, in the stories of travellers, to Hindoo conjurers. In "Lives of the Conjurers," Thomas Frost describes the suspension trick as offered about 1828 or 1829 at Madras by an old Brahmin with no better apparatus than a piece of plank with four legs. This he had formed into a stool, and upon it, in a little brass socket, he placed a hollow bamboo stick in a perpendicular position. Pro- jecting from the stick was a kind of crutch, covered with a piece of common hide. These properties he carried with him in a bag, which was shown to all those who desired to witness his exhibition. The servants of the household then held a blanket before him, and, when it was withdrawn, he was discovered poised in midair about four feet from the ground, in a sitting posture, with the outer edge of one hand merely touching the crutch, while the fingers deliberately counted beads, and the other hand and arm were held in an upright position. The blanket was again held up before him, and the spectators caught a gurgling sound, like that occasioned by wind [228] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,256 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 256 | THE SUSPENSION TRICK The Brahmin suspension as shown in an illustration found in Robin's l'Almanach de Cagliostro. [229] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,257 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 257 | THE UNMASKING OF ROBERT-HOUDIN escaping from a bladder or tube. When the screen or blanket was again withdrawn, the conjurer was standing on the ground. The mystery was supposed to have been solved when Sheshal, commonly known as "the Brahmin of the Air," exhibited the trick in 1832 in Madras. It was observed that his stool was ornamented with two inlaid stars, and it was suggested that one of these might conceal a socket for a steel rod, passing through the bamboo, and that another rod, screwed to the perpendicular one and con- cealed by the piece of hide, might be connected with a mechanism of the same metal, passing up the sleeve and down the back, and forming a circular seat. This con- jecture probably was not far from the truth, for while Frost is by no means the greatest of authorities on magic and magicians, in this particular instance I believe that his explanation of the trick is correct. The next authentic early information I have gathered regarding suspension concerns that wonderful performer who called himself Ching Lau Lauro. Presumably he was a Chinaman, and from the programmes in my collection he evidently appeared first in England, in 1828, when he was engaged to perform between scenes of various plays, including "Tom and Jerry," at the Coburg. I repro- duce on page 23I one of Ching Lau Lauro'sprogrammes. About 1833, or possibly a year earlier, he cut out some of his singing, and introduced the suspension with which he closed his performance. At this time he gave the entire programme. According to his programmes, in some places he excluded the public from the gallery, so I judge that his suspension was accomplished by the use [ 230] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,258 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 258 | Five Nights only. AT THE NEW ASSEMBLY ROOMS, The celebrated CHING LAU LAURO, Norcules, and the - furope, Magaro, Nechanicies, of the - and veluable Mechssical, Optical, and Nagient Transformatives - whese Performances the greatest and they hate been eshibited. C.L.L. be had the of Serforming before thes " the " Rreghtee, and ressived letter, by chais Mayesties commend, &m al approvel of ear% Perfermasce, wich Sagether with several others from the Earts of Dewlogh, Nredfent, Marquia leses . Nr Passs's, High etreet of whrth the folloning " repy - Sie rese. Ste, Ny these I have to state that vour Performiece+ " the Pevilion. . the isth of sembei were appreved of by these Majestive Ching Les Lovre, - em vou' Servant See Notel. H The Nebility, Gestry. and the Publer of eiverhamptor and " we séformers the CHING AULAURO LATF or VAUNHALL GARDENS AND DHUNY LINE 1H1 ATKE Well have the beneut of appearing be fore them On Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, Narch the 10th, lith, 12th, 13th, and 14th, 1934, To Talente in . complete serice of Ammements. combreing- PART I. THE CHEST OF ARCHIMEDES, AND The Column of These self-ecuing pleces of were recruted by the celebrated am! entraded the Cablest of Curiosities at Paris, ber unforeces the Gefore the completies of these Master pieces of Art, they sere dieposed of and gower - gratify the Public with anch advaired pieces of A Game at Whist, Time Flies, the Wax Candles Enchanted ELEPHANT OF KNOWLEDGE, Fulcan's Forge, Miraculous Printing Flying Watch, NAGIC BOTTLE, APPLES OF BEELZEBUB, MAGEC mags, LOYAL NETAMORPHOSE, &c. with , " II.LUSIONS TOO NUMEROUS TO MENTION PART II. VENTRILOQUISII. CHINO LAU LAURO - the hesour to ansounce that, previons to bas return to Loudon to resume his Eagagements, be bes been induced to preseet novel and popular SATIRICAL LEC TURE. and NOV DIVENTI<EMENT, en.itled ROGUERIES OF NICHOLAS. Imitations of the Feathered Crestion, such as the Thrush, Biackbird. Nightingale, Sky Lark, &c. Also vertraying a variety of Eecentric and Cheracters diaw… | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,259 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 259 | THE UNMASKING OF ROBERT-HOU esraping from a bladder or tube. When the blanket was again withdrawn, the conjurer wa on the ground. The mystery was supposed to have been sol Sheshal, commonly known as "the Brahmin of exhibited the trick in 1832 in Madras. It was that his stool was ornamented with two inlaid it was suggested that one of these might concea for a steel rod. passing through the bamboo, another rod. screwed to the perpendicular one ..... In the piece of hide, might be connect ```... of the same metal, passing up the S ...... inc. and forming a circular seat. : was not far from the truth, : is means the greatest of authorities "A i. : this particular instance I be is correct. information I have that wonderful F soll Ching Lau Lauro. Presumab and from the programmes in my fart in England, in 18:28 perform between scenes of - and Jerry," at the one of Ching L. de passibly di veir and . - : - ..... this | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,260 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 260 | Fire Nights only. AT THE NEW ASSEMBLY ROOMS. The celebrated CHING LAU LAURO, - - - --- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - CLA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - a - - - - - - - - - - - - The - - - - 1 - - - - CHING LAULAURO um - - - Os Munday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, March the the 1218 121h, and 14th, 1834. = - - - - - - - - - PART #. THE CHEST OF ARCHIMEDES, The Column of - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A at Whet Tim the Wax Candies Eschanted ELEPHANT OF KNOWLEDGE, Forge, Printiag! Flying Watch, MAGE SOTTLE, APPLES OF BEELZEBUB, MAGIC EGGS, LOTEAL 440 with WARIETY - FART n. VENTRILOQUISI - - ROGEERIES OF NICHOLAS. of the Creation, - - the Thruals, Blackbied. Lark, A. - - - - - - de Hir Surprising Poccers of Imitation, CHANGES OF CDUN. - - - Agwy - - the LND DECEPTIONS. PARTE 101. of Strength, - . SEPTO ASTIC EXERCISES. the Jir upou Nothing!! - - - - - - - Allesdance. - - - - - - - M. PABAER - MALE PRICE - - Fim - - - - - - Friday Morsing, at - - 2 - Collection. sumpension in 1832. From the Harry | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,261 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 261 | THE UNMASKING OF ROBERT-HOUDIN of the iron rod from the back, which would have been in plain sight from the gallery. The stage would not permit the suspension to be worked out of range of the gallery gods. When Robert-Houdin went to London in 1848 he found Svesimg, the - Satreer performed by with - The BOTTLE, as the commend Tine PRINCESS'S THEATRE ALL KINDS-OF LIQUEURS. The Juggier of the Sum and Moon. - - The Bagic Sword, or the Skuful Player at - Blind-Man's Buil. GENERAL REQUEST SOUS and its isclated Bell. (Mechasic.) mose. The July Colums, of the Docile Cart. (Mechanic.) HERRMANN The Philanthrepic Banker. A Chinese Metamorphose. The Funtastic Glass. Pierro the Magician. (Mechanic)) The Marriage at Cana. The Disappearance of * * * The DOVES THE First Professor of Magic in the World The Miracle of Flowers (Mechanie,) The BANDEER of SATAN. Will give six MORE of his The Multiplication of Guinea Pigs. The Flower Garden. ENTERTAINING The Universal Thought. The Miraculous Production of Plumes. OIREES The Enchanted Vases. The Puzzled Choice, or four in one. EMIDA's o BALICE, or the GENEVA CLOCK wons. The Mysterions Chest. And MAGIQUE. - THE ONLY NIGHTS HK CAN REMAIN IN LONDON, many Provincial BONDAY Evening, August 21st. 1848, TORSBAY, 22ud, WEDNESDAY, 23rd, PRURSDAY, 24th, FRIDAY 25th, And SATURDAY, 26th, THE BENEFIT of M. HERRMANN And will be varied with NEW & WONDERFUL ILLUSIONS EN ERIMEENT T al. SUSPENSION ETHER MADAME HERRMANN selncomprehensible Handkerohief " MAND vases FILLED WITH -- Astenishing Frate ANTI-MACNETISM Gold Fish! This extraordinery Feat is executed in a plaia Evening Brees, and must be seem to be belleved. Dress Circle, 4s. Boxes, ** Pit, ** and Gallery, le as. the CLAIRVOYANCE loors open at half past Seven. Commence at Balf.price at Nime . Cleek a a A Compars Herrmann programme of 1848 in which suspension is featured. From the Harry Houdini Collection. [ 232] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,262 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 262 | THE SUSPENSION TRICK in the field of magic a clever rival, Compars Herrmann; a few months later came John Henry Anderson, the Wizard of the North. Both of these men presented the suspension trick in precisely the same manner claimed by Robert-Houdin as his original invention of 1847. Neither Anderson nor Herrmann claimed the honor of having invented the trick, and it is more than likely that the mechanician who made their apparatus for the suspension trick made the one used by Robert-Houdin also. Herr- mann, like Robert-Houdin, called the trick ethereal sus- pension. Anderson gave it the title of "Chloriforcene Suspension," as the reproduction of an Anderson litho- graph on page 234 will prove. During precisely the same period of time a brilliantly successful German conjurer, Alexander, was presenting the same trick in America, where he remained as a pro- fessional entertainer for ten years. In my collection, together with corroborative handbills and programmes, there will be found this statement from Alexander: "The suspension was at first produced by me in 1845 or 1846, after reading in an Oriental annual, edited by several officers of the Indian Army, the trick of a fakir who made a companion sit in the air by using a bamboo stick. My trick had no success, because the sitting was too near the ground. I then made him stand in the air, and the effect was marvellous." My meeting with Alexander, of which this correspond- ence was the result, marked an era in my search for material for this volume. Having read in a small book on magic, dated 1896, that a man named Heimburger, who had travelled in America as "Alexander the Conjurer," [ 233] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,263 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 263 | THE UNMASKING OF ROBERT-IIOUDIN IXTRADREIMARY MEW RECEPING IN THE AIR CORDENSED " 'Suspension Chloriforcene,' as presented be Anderson and his son, from a lithograph used by him on his return from the Continent, December, 1848. From the Harry lloudini Collection. [234] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,264 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 264 | THE SUSPENSION TRICK was living in his native town of Münster, in Westphalia, I determined to secure an interview with him if possible. On March 17th, 1903, while playing in Cologne, I boarded an express train and arrived in Münster bright and early. From the city directory I learned that one Heimburger resided in Krumpentippen, 16. Hailing a passing droschke I was soon carried to my destination, where a bright-faced German girl opened the door and ushered me, without formality, into the presence of the man to whom I desired to pay my respects. An old man, bent with years, snow-white of beard and gray of head, came forward slowly to greet me. Finding that he was quite deaf, I raised my voice and fairly trum- peted my mission, adding that I felt especially honored to stand in the presence of the only magician who, up to that date, had ever appeared at the White House, Washington, by request of the President of the United States, my na- tive land. Alexander had been asked to entertain Presi- dent Polk and his guests on several occasions, and the fact that I knew this seemed to please the old conjurer and pave the way to a pleasant and profitable interview. In a few moments we were sitting side by side, and he was adding to my store of information by relating the most fascinating experiences, stories of fellow-magicians long since dead; and tales which he could corroborate by his own collection of bills, programmes, etc., his diary, and his personal correspondence. He had known Robert- Houdin, Frikell, Bosco, Count Pererilli, John Henry Anderson, Blitz, the original Bamberg of Amsterdam, Compars Herrmann, and many lesser lights among the old-time magicians. Robert-Houdin had told him per- [ 235 ] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,265 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 265 | THE UNMASKING OF ROBERT-HOUDIN sonally that being pressed for time he had entrusted the writing of his "Memoirs" to a Parisian journalist. As he warmed up to these reminiscences, he held me spellbound. Had he risen from the grave to tell of his Mrs. Leona A. Anderson, daughter-in-law of John Henry Anderson, as she appeared with him in the suspension trick about 1868. From the Harry Houdini Collection. contemporaries, he could not have riveted my attention more securely. Here was a man of eighty-four, whose memory quick- [236] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,266 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 266 | THE SUSPENSION TRICK ened at the coming of one interested in his beloved art, whose eye brightened with each fresh detail of a long and successful professional life, and who, in fifty years of retirement, had not only written a book, but had kept in touch with the world of magic, giving me information which the most exhaustive encyclopaedia could not yield, answering questions on topics never yet discussed in dusty parchments and fading scripts. It was like having the history of magic unrolled before my eager eyes, in a living, palpitating, human scroll. It had been my intention to remain but a few hours in Münster, but the old master held me as if hypnotized and the hours fairly drifted past. Letter after letter, clipping after clipping, token after token, he spread before my fascinated eyes; and I allowed him to speak without question or interruption of any sort. Early in our inter- view he had remarked that he was beginning to feel old and that only the impetus of my presence was responsible for his unusual strength of speech. For over seventy years he had been collecting books on conjuring and kin- dred topics, which he was able to read in English, French, Spanish, and German. The dinner hour found us still engrossed in conversa- tion, and Frau Heimburger extended a most hospitable and cordial invitation for me to join the family circle. But my hunger was purely mental, and the true savor of the meal was the reminiscent chat of Herr Heimburger, who, from his post at the head of his household, looked as hale and hearty as if he had found the Elixir of Life which so many of his charlatan predecessors claimed to have "discovered." [ 237 ] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,267 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 267 | THE UNMASKING OF ROBERT-HOUDIX In 1904 I paid the old master a second visit. To his professions of pleasure at meeting me once more, he added the gift of several rare programmes now in my col- Alexander Heimburger, a veteran conjurer who presented the suspension trick in 1845-46 during his American tour. From a photograph in the Harry Houdini Collection. lection, and when our hands met in a farewell clasp he told me that he had set all things in order and was ready for the coming of the Grim Reaper. Soon after that visit, [ 238] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,268 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 268 | THE SUSPENSION TRICK however, I received a card with the following melancholy message My DEAR FRIEND-Have not been very well of late, and have been expecting my last days. All preparations have been made and Death the Visitor arrived, but instead of calling for me, he has taken away my beloved wife. I am not capable of writing more. God be with you. From your old friend, ALEXANDER HEIMBURGER. Alexander Heimburger or, as he was billed, Alexander the Conjurer, was born December 4th, 1818. From I 844 to 1854 he toured North and South America, return- ing to his native country with the intention of there follow- ing his calling as a professional entertainer. But his fame had preceded him, and, as his fortune was large, his souvenirs and tales of travel many and interesting, he was taken up by the world of fashion and lionized. This practically closed his career as a conjurer, for in those days magicians occupied no such reputable position in the professional world as they do to-day, and to have returned to his stage work would have closed the doors of aristocracy to him. He married one of Münster's prettiest girls, who bore him six children, two sons and four daugh- ters. So he passed the remainder of his days, living modestly but comfortably on the money he had amassed in America, entertained by a large circle of appreciative friends, and well content to live thus, far from the madding crowd in which the professional entertainer must move. While the recollections of his public career and his meetings with other magicians, as well as notable men in other walks of life, were fresh, he wrote his book, "Der Moderne Zauberer" (The Modern Magician), which he [ 239 ] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,269 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 269 | THE UNMASKING OF ROBERT-HOUDIN claims, with much justice, is rated as one of the gems of German literature, as well as the best book ever written by a conjurer. It is built from extracts from his diary and is on the style of Sig. Blitz's book, but is far more diversified and interesting. His scrap-book also told a most romantic tale of vicissi- a Alexander Heimburger, known in conjuring as Alexander the Conjurer, from a quaint illustration in "The North American," published in Mexico. tudes. A half-page article in the New York Tribune, dated October, 1845, showed Alexander arrayed in a Chinese costume, and producing huge bowls of water, flowers, and various sorts of heavy articles. This proves conclusively that Ching Ling Foo was not the first con- [240] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,270 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 270 | THE SUSPENSION TRICK jurcr to offer this Chinese trick in America, as it is gener- ally supposed. Alexander added that all the old-timers would change their programmes by introducing the Chi- nese tricks, and, to verify his statement, readers need only to see the following files in Astor Library, New York City: New York Herald, New York Tribune, and New York Evening Gazette of November 6th, 1845. Herr Alexander had arrived in New York almost penniless, after a disastrous tour of other American cities. He tried to hire Niblo's Garden, but was informed that the auditorium was never opened in winter. Through the intercession of Mrs. Niblo, however, he finally secured it at a rental of twenty dollars per night. He opened to a small house and for thrce nights did not even pay expenses, but the fourth night witnessed a change in his fortunes and for three months he played literally to standing room. Then because he had no new tricks to offer, and his pride forbade his presenting his old répertoire until receipts grew lighter, he closed his New York season. While playing in Saratoga, Alexander was approached by the late P. T. Barnum, who was accompanied by Gen. Tom Thumb. Alexander declined Mr. Barnum's offer because he thought to join the Barnum staff of entertainers would injure his professional rating. Barnum's admission fee was 25 cents, while Alexander charged 50 cents and $1. About this time the fame of Alexander attracted the attention of no less a personage than S. F. B. Morse, of telegraphic fame; and Alexander had on his programme one trick which mystified Morse, who honestly believed that the conjurer had discovered some new law of nature that might be of service to scientists. 16 [ 241 ] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,271 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 271 | THE UNMASKING OF ROBERT-HOUDIN Alexander called this trick "The Spirit Bell," an worked by one method or another, it has been used many magicians. Some employ a thread and hoo " EXPRADRDINARIA HERR ALEXANDER, - atiss LN EN EL SALORK DE LA H ERR ALENANDER, al tribetar al martable Publire de les - - - agraderimirates per la brenela acejido que le la digresado. di * que dara, a prticios de markas que le ree sa des dinarias, a que se ejecularáe las serries mas serpredentes, que se has tiste es las asteriores, ... *gunas etras sernas ! myy asembresar. La fencios * hoy se dislinguira per la mas tifril I mas admirable sarrie. EL XILIGRO DEL I\DOSTIT. O EL SISPEIDIDO ll El URE. ORDEN DE LA FUNCION. del mode é 7. PARTE. 2.CHRTE. gelota 1.--1 1. 2-11 del emable. 4.-1sva cumplido %.- 6.-La recomendacion 6.-U nomo del herhicero oriental; suspendedo va el ENTRADA GENERAL. quente numerado. pur - auche pres. per Alexander Heimburger presenting the suspension trick during his engageme in Brazil. From the Harry Houdini Collection. causing the clapper to strike by pulling the thread whic runs through an innocent-looking ribbon on which tl [242 ] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,272 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 272 | THE SUSPENSION TRICK bell hangs. Others use an electric magnet. Herr Alex- ander placed his bell on top of a fancy case which he could set anywhere, and the bell would ring at command. The secFet was a small bird, trained to jump from one rung of a tiny ladder to another, at word of command or the waving of a stick or wand which the bird could see from its point of imprisonment. Every time that it jumped from one rung to another, it would pull down a step which was so arranged that by the smallest overweight it would release a catch, which in turn would throw the hammer against the glass. When the bird stepped off, the hammer would again come back to its original position and be ready for the second blow. This bird he bought from a street fortune-teller, who had trained it to go up different steps of a ladder and select envelopes containing variously printed fortunes. Alexander enjoyed personal acquaintance with Presi- dent Polk, Henry Clay, Daniel Webster, Calhoun, and their fellow-statesmen in the United States. Through his friendship with President Polk he carried to the West Indies and Brazil letters so influential that the aristocracy in these countries opened its doors to him. He was welcomed at the palace of Dom Pedro, and has in his possession letters from both the King and his consort, dated 1850. So much for the history of a man who was brave enough to admit that he developed the suspension trick from principles laid down by humble Indian fakirs. The crudest method used for accomplishing the sus- pension trick consisted of a steel corset, an iron rod painted to resemble wood, and a platform. The steel [ 243 ] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,273 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 273 | THE UNMASKING OF ROBERT-HOUDIN rod was fitted into a special place in the corset, also in the platform. This method was improved, first to make it a self-raising suspension, then eventually with a steel rod from the back of the stage, eliminating the use of both rods under the arms. Spectators and reviewers commented on the rigid, almost painful, carriage of Robert-Houdin's son during the performance, which they laid to the effect of ether. Unquestionably Robert-Houdin used this crude corset- and-rod method of working the trick. The fumes of ether which reached the audience, he admits, were caused by pouring a little ether over hot irons in the wings. But whatever the method employed by Robert-Houdin to secure the effects of "suspension éthéréenne," he was merely introducing a century-old trick, which other contemporary magicians were also exhibiting. The name of the real maker of the apparatus may never be known, but some clever mechanician supplied Robert-Houdin, Compars Herrmann, and John Henry Anderson with precisely the same method of working the trick, at pre- cisely the same time. Robert-Houdin alone was audacious enough to claim the invention as his own. [ 244] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,274 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 274 | CHAPTER IX THE DISAPPEARING HANDKERCHIEF S UPREME egotism and utter disregard for the truth may be traced in all of Robert-Houdin's writings, but they reached a veritable climax when he indited chapter XVI. of his "Memoirs." During the course of this chapter he described the so-called invention and first production of the disappearing-handkerchief trick. According to the American edition of his "Memoirs," page 3°3, he received a command to appear before Louis Philippe and his family at St. Cloud in November, 1846. During the six days intervening between the official in- vitation and his appearance before the royal family, he arranged a trick from which, he states, he had every reason to expect excellent results. On page 305 he goes even further in his claims and announces: "All my tricks were favorably received, and the one I had invented for the occasion gained me unbounded applause." He then gives the following description of the trick and its performance: "I borrowed from my noble spectators several handker- chiefs, which I made into a parcel, and laid on the table. Then, at my request, different persons wrote on the cards the names of places whither they desired their handker- chiefs to be invisibly transported. "When this had been done, I begged the King to take [ 245 ] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,275 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 275 | THE UNMASKING OF ROBERT-HOUDIN three of the cards at hazard, and choose from them the place he might consider most suitable. "'Let us see,' Louis Philippe said, what this one says "I desire the handkerchiefs to be found beneath one of the candelabra on the mantelpiece." That is too easy for a sorcerer; so we will pass to the next card: "The handkerchiefs are to be transported to the dome of the Invalides." That would suit me, but it is much too far not for the handkerchiefs, but for us. Ah, ah!' the King added, looking at the last card, 'I am afraid, M Robert-Houdin, I am about to embarrass you. Do you know what this card proposes? 'Will your Majesty deign to inform me?' "It is desired that you should send the handkerchiefs into the chest of the last orange-tree on the right of the avenue.' Only that, Sire? Deign to order, and I shall obey.' "'Very good, then; I should like to see such a magio act: I, therefore, choose the orange-tree chest. "The King gave some orders in a low voice, and ] directly saw several persons run to the orange-tree, ir order to watch it and prevent any fraud. "I was delighted at this precaution, which must add to the effect of my experiment, for the trick was already arranged, and the precaution hence too late. "I had now to send the handkerchiefs on their travels. so I placed them beneath a bell of opaque glass, and taking my wand, I ordered my invisible travellers to pro- ceed to the spot the King had chosen. "I raised the bell; the little parcel was no longer there and a white turtle-dove had taken its place. [ 246] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,276 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 276 | THE DISAPPEARING HANDKERCHIEF "The King then walked quickly to the door, whence he looked in the direction of the orange-tree, to assure him- self that the guards were at their post; when this was done, he began to smile and shrug his shoulders. "Ah! M. Robert-Houdin,' he said, somewhat ironi- cally, 'I much fear for the virtue of your magic staff.' Then he added, as he returned to the end of the room, where several servants. were standing, "Tell William to open immediately the last chest at the end of the avenue, and bring me carefully what he finds there-if he does find anything.' "William soon proceeded to the orange-tree, and, though much astonished at the orders given him, he began to carry them out. "He carefully removed one of the sides of the chest, thrust his hand in, and almost touched the roots of the tree before he found anything. All at once he uttered a cry of surprise as he drew out a small iron coffer caten by the rust. "This curious find, after having been cleaned from the mould, was brought in and placed on a small ottoman by the King's side. "Well, M. Robert-Houdin,' Louis Philippe said to me, with a movement of impatient curiosity, 'here is a box; am I to conclude it contains the handkerchiefs? "Yes, Sire,' I replied with assurance, 'and they have been there, too, for a long period.' "How can that be? The handkerchiefs were lent you scarce a quarter of an hour ago. "I cannot deny it, Sire; but what would my magic powers avail me if I could not perform incomprehensible [ 247 ] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,277 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 277 | THE UNMASKING OF ROBERT-HOUDIN tricks? Your Majesty will doubtless be still more sur- prised when I prove to your satisfaction that this coffer Reproduction of a very rare pastel portrait of Cagliostro. From the Harry Houdini Collection. as well as its contents was deposited in the chest of the orange-tree sixty years ago.' "I should like to believe your statement,' the King [ 248] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,278 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 278 | THE DISAPPEARING HANDKERCHIEF replied with a smile; 'but that is impossible, and I must, therefore, ask for proofs of your assertion.' "If your Majesty will be kind enough to open this casket they will be supplied. " 'Certainly; but I shall require a key for that.' "It only depends on yourself, Sire, to have one. Deign to remove it from the neck of this turtle dove, which has just brought it to you.' "Louis Philippe unfastened a ribbon that held a small Tusty key with which he hastened to unlock the coffer. The first thing that caught the King's eye was a parch- ment, on which he read the following statements: "This day, the sixth of June, 1786, this iron box, containing six handkerchiefs, was placed among the roots of an orange tree by me, Balsamo, Count of Cagliostro, to serve in performing an act of magic which will be exe- cuted on the same day sixty years hence before Louis Philippe of Orléans and his family.' "There is, decidedly, witchcraft about this,' the King said, more and more amazed. 'Nothing is wanting, for the seal and signature of the celebrated sorcerer are placed at the foot of this statement, which, Heaven pardon mc, smells strongly of sulphur.' "At this jest the audience began to laugh. "'But,' the King added, taking out of the box a carefully sealed packet, 'can the handkerchiefs, by possibility, be in this? "'Indeed, Sire, they are; but, before opening the parcel, I would request your Majesty to notice that it, also, bears the impression of Cagliostro's seal.' "This seal, once rendered so famous by being placed [ 249] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,279 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 279 | THE UNMASKING OF ROBERT-HOUDIN on the celebrated alchemist's bottles of elixir and liquid gold, I had obtained from Torrini, who had been an old friend of Cagliostro's. "It is certainly the same,' my royal spectator answered, after comparing the two seals. Still, in his impatience to learn the contents of the parcel, the King quickly tore open the envelope, and soon displayed before the aston- ished spectators the six handkerchiefs, which, a few moments before, were still on my table." While the use of the Cagliostro seal really formed no part of the trick, its possession by Robert-Houdin goes to show how indefatigably he collected conjuring curios and how quick he was to utilize any part of his collection, and score thereby a brilliant showing. Cagliostro seals were by no means rare. This prince of charlatans had seals, like adventures, in great variety ; and in this connection, it is not out of place to tell some- thing of Cagliostro and thus explain why the parchment bearing his seal created such a sensation at St. Cloud. Cagliostro has no match in the annals of magic. Not a conjurer in the sense of being a public entertainer, he yet mystified and bewitched his thousands. Something of a physician, more of an alchemist, and altogether a charlatan, he left behind him a trail of brilliant chicanery, daring adventure, and ignominious failure and undoing unequalled in the history of Europe. Cagliostro was born Joseph Balsamo, in Palermo, Italy, June 8th, 1743. His parents were in humble cir- cumstances and he started his career as a novice in the Convent of Benfratelli, from which he was expelled for incorrigibility. Then he plunged into a life of dissipa- [250] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,280 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 280 | THE DISAPPEARING HANDKERCHIEF tion and cleverly planned, ofttimes brilliantly executed crimes. He fled Palermo after forging theatre tickets and a will, and duping a goldsmith out of sixty pieces of Reproduction of a rare portrait of Seraphinia Feliciani, Comtesse de Caglios- tro, wrongfully called Lorenzo in the Encyclopaedia Britannica. From the Harry Houdini Collection. gold. At Messina he fell in with an alchemist named Althotas, a man of some learning who spoke a variety of [251] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,281 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 281 | THE UNMASKING OF ROBERT-HOUDIN languages. These two adventurers travelled in Egypt, and when Althotas died Cagliostro went to Naples and Rome, where he married a beautiful girdle-maker named Seraphinia Feliciani. This woman shared both his tri- umphs and his disgrace. In 1776 they arrived in London, where he announced himself as the Count di Cagliostro. The title was assumed, the name was borrowed from his mother's side of the house. Here for the first time Cag- liostro announced himself also a worker of miracles or wonders. He exhibited two mysterious substances, "Materia Prima," with which he transmuted all baser metals into gold, and "Egyptian Winc," with which he claimed to prolong life. His wife, who was just past twenty, he declared was more than sixty, her youthful appearance being due to the use of his elixir. He founded a spurious Egyptian rite in connection with the Masonic order which has been recognized as a blot upon Masonic history, and he claimed thousands of Masonic dupes. All over the Continent he and his beautiful wife travelled, now healing the poor for nothing, now duping the rich, but always living in a most picturesque, voluptuous fashion. He dipped into spiritualism and mesmerism, but wherever he went his converts followed after. In 1789, while in Rome, he was seized by that invincible power, the Holy Inquisition, and was condemned to death. Later Pope Pius VI. changed the sentence to life imprison- ment. Confinement made him more daring than ever. He asked for a confessor, and when a Capuchin monk was permitted to enter his cell in this capacity Cagliostro endeavored to choke him and escape in his robes. The [ 252] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,282 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 282 | TEWPLE OF AST, SCIENCE. AND MYSTERY! GRAND SOIREES FANTASTIQUES Intely reterned to Fagiond. aftse visiting Germany, Premin. Austria, Naplui he. hue brfare the Courte of Berlin, de. as. and surgrising all by his FOR A FRW VIGHTS over. Newly Anvented sje INCO. " EMSIBLE FEA TS. - Passessout, the - Arte - Pasta) loge - de the Ant be ever M append la the query. These - - - ether, - the LARGE ROON, (se - and thas - the eyes - the the Sigestalers of the - the . - Pross, . epee dies the presented - le - - rems. - - - the tendeary, of this of Tue the - - New Experiments! Great Novelties!f quise - the - , - issridate bee for - THS The of have beea honoured by the approbation of the Heads of Euroge. stey aford delight (e the Lovers of PROPESSOR RECREATIVE PHILOSOPHY, Their MORAL TENDENCY ever wire the of the Clangy. and the of dus cotrusted with the Fducation u Youth. SYNUPHIS or THS EACH AVENIKO. MUNS.TESTOT, PART 845 basses' vans seves's TRE sox Wax Candite Sagie Seshed of Betating. withers or evees, . sil and the . personal le - - Ress LOST BING CSSCOUERER & RESTORED TO LIFE. wayse. l'artsian Enchanter and Emperer of all the Wieards. ca TRS AND ENCILANTZO MAGIC BOTTLE, Which will asy card chomen by the Andienes THE N. TEATOR - ether frate esich - the & OPISTONS os " Madeve Athees, diepley os CELEBRATED LOAF TRICK, The Bencing - THE PRESS free the - be Goued - - Lee - - - quetes the Compery - prepere. the PRESS. ast - at Nusse and deine the a - sey le - - othee experiments or the way to get vus DSVEIVING DIC& noz PARTE " de Sold SURPRISINC CHAYGES or SUGAR ase COFFER, - periods o3n The The Enchanted Nest the a Negirtes of - Or, - disploying hi. - the Mag. o a 0 w A vass es CANARY SCED. Mystical The desteri.y. the *********, hes dering this bees amis se:! the astounding of bee triebe . deseré ite and (w. SECALT CONCEALER. TNE ATPLIN ', BELLZUUS Marvelloy be aren le he He the The Necremantic Cabiner. .. le terperd the . * , rend, Destgrous menogement of Cupa, Balla, Birds, Flowers, & sed " def, the - ajle Resta, Ze cd. Rea… | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,283 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 283 | THE UNMASKING OF ROBERT-HOUDIN monk fought for his life so effectually that it was he, and not Cagliostro, who escaped. Cagliostro was literally buried alive in a subterranean dungeon, as punishment for his final offence, and his wife immured herself in a Roman convent, where she died in 1794. In Paris, perhaps, Cagliostro enjoyed his greatest Free Masons' Lodge, Myton-Gate. MORE NEW PERFORMANCES. For THREE NIGHTS Longer. Mons. Felix Testot, Impressed with . dee - of graditude to the Pabilic for the patronage eviscad tewards the durlag stay le Sell, - - leave to solicit - that the Solection be - thate will - with the - Apprebades they hove alrendy - agee On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday Evenings, October 19, 20, and 21, 1896. Among other NEW FEATS, Mom , T. - that Font of THE NE PLUS ULTRA OF THE Cabalistic Art. The Company - be requested to favear M. T.T. with losa of . variety of of - persome as hase set lest asy thing will hove an apportucity to commend N to retere a the ardicios bet making theis choice to thate coppostive oveera. Ho ush thes the erticios to and be found immodiately, whorever the Company - regaire, that - asy, IN ANY PART OF the rown. The esecution of this Musice le Londes cassed of the greatent delight - the astiale bese - conveyed from the Adelphi Thentre to the greas Gast Se fert, Gee 6 night and day under the immediate charge of . Sondeal. It also - grestast and delight le Ozferd, where the articles berrowal were eseveyed freas - Reom, to the top of Usiveruity Chered, and - reponted feer eveelage la - almeet ble places. Alse le by the articles being esereyed to the top of Neleos's Mosement THE WICK PIDGEON. as WILL INTRODUCE THE NEW AND EITRAORDINARY Transformation of a BIRD INTO A CHILD! GROWING INTO LADY!! wia - other exporiments, which lore Nomal , t. performence with bie EVOLUTIONS and Fom CM bave geleed - appliente dese Dasus to be at Sovee and the to at FRONT SEATS, - - Testot programme, featuring Cabalistic Art" in 1826. From the Harry Houdini Collection. triumphs of charlatanism, … | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,284 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 284 | THE DISAPPEARING HANDKERCHIEF sented by a number of conjurers TO before Robert-Houdin was known Charitable. in the world of magic. Robert- CATHERINE Houdin simply employed the trick Langan familiar to both his predecessors - to le for 1 coming: se - and contemporaries and redressed and destitute - le of the - of moking - Sie - - - ether astag bee in - the - it to tickle the fancy of his royal - - at the of who - Interest le bee - . BENEFIT at the of patron. WODDS vea In England this trick was known Duke of York Tavern CHALRS-STHEET, among old conjurers as "The Ne ON MONDAY, Plus Ultra of the Cabalistic Art." Tuonday and Wednesday Kreaing, the 25th, 28th and 27th July, 1831, WHEN THE CREEBRATED MR. In 1826 one M. Félix Testot, MARRIOT who claimed to be a compatriot of Robert-Houdin, presented the RECREATIVE PHILOSOPHY, MagicalIllusions trick in the British provinces, and Melamorphesis and Transformations, Nes Ne - by one of his bills I am reproducing Young SPRI.VG. The Part will - New and because it shows that the trick he Dead Bird resiored lo Life! The Postama. - The Magie Methed of Printing, withert the - of lok or Pres. offered the provincial Britons and THE BOTTLE; Or, MIRACULOUS NOTE. Whish will, at retera asy Caré - a - of the Andlesso. the trick which Robert-Houdin A New Method of Coining Money, oa THE WAY TO GET RICH: A Bunhei of Rice - . of Coffee. - eschnage their Pus. offered the royal family at St. - at the word of com- Me. x. - - ofher Ponta, - the Autionce - - Daneing and Speaking Moucy ! I Cloud were identical. It also Which - the - Pless Mests and the of asy - othes Nr. M. - introduse - proves that London had seen the The Cabalistic Art. Ne. trick; and what London had seen, - Paris, including Robert-Houdin, the - eseveyed . - The of had heard of. SIG. MARRIOTT wis perfora ALBS A programme used by "The Treble Scale of Glassee. The Posformance - - cach Krening as Soven Celebrated Mr. Marriot, Professor ADMISSION TWO SHILLINGS. of Recreative Philosophy," in Marriot programme fea- turing "Cabalistic A… | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,285 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 285 | THE UNMASKING OF ROBERT-HOUDIN show that a popular test was to have articles passed fron the Adelphia Theatre t< ROYAL CLARENCE THEATRE, the gun which was being LIVERFOEL STREET, Under - - of - of . - Fes. se n - sess, watched by a sentinel. of - a Conto - - Thanks - - - - - - -- - - - - Pase of - - g - - - - - - - - - - Too - - - February 22d, 1833, to - CORNUCOP\E-COMICALLITY found a Mr. Jefferini FROJE REAL LIFR 1. at the Royal Clarence PART Theatre, Liverpool sera. ILLUBION Street, King's Cross, ILLUBION serra. Liverpool. He agreed to make "an article fly ILLUSION. at the rate of five hun- serv. sona. dred miles an hour, Mr. SHARP, from King's Cross to the CELETED the Centre of Greece." From the CITY THEATRE, will Displey bie Inimitable Powera, le - a the M. EFFERINI, The original Buck Ameng ther THAUIATURGICS featured on his pro- wa - IMPOSSIBILITIES, gramme a similar trick Ne - le - - Audience A Decanter of Pert Wime imto Pare Water. which he called "The we make - ", as 500 MILESA MINUTE Loaf Trick." On a bill arnas gmoss Contre of cassoz predose BOTTLE OF WINE dated October 26th, A LIVING PIG. 1840, it is announced as follows: "Watch in The Porformente conclude N. INFFERINIS CLASSICAL STUDIES a loaf. The magician or the ANOIENT MASTERS. Me. , - Contures - will command any gen- at Via, se - Sorce sozas . - PIT, GALLERY. " tleman's watch to dis- Rak Prier . - sozas - et The Ordese - be admitted - ramay - - de - - de abe w. a Nottee appear. It will be found Jefferini handbill, dated 1833, in which in a loaf at any baker's he announces that any article will be made to fly 500 miles a minute. shop in Town." The senior Ingleby changed the trick somewhat, sending out to any market for a [ 256] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,286 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 286 | THE DISAPPEARING HANDKERCHIEF shoulder of mutton, which, on being cut, would yield up a card previously drawn by some spectator. He thus de- scribes his trick in his book "Whole Art of Legerde- main," published in London in 1815: "TRICK FOUR. "To cut out of a Shoulder of Mutton a Card which one Only known portrait of the clever English conjurer, Buck. From an engraving in the Harry Houdini Collection. of the Company had previously drawn out of the Pack. " Having desired a person to draw a Card out of several which you hold to him, and to remember it, which he promises to do, you tell him it shall be in a shoulder of mutton which you will send for. " "Accordingly you desire a servant to go to the butch- er's and bring one. When brought, it is examined, 17 [ 257] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,287 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 287 | THE UNMASKING OF ROBERT-HOUDIN Emperor of all Conjurora. and then ordered to be put down to roast. After performing some tricks, Uader the Patronage of Her Royal Highness the Frincess of Wala you recollect the shoulder LYCEUM, STRAND. of mutton, which is No Performance Wedneodaye er Fridayo. during Lent immediately brought Mr. Ingleby, half-roasted, and after THE GREATEST MAN IN THEWORLD, cutting it for some time In his Profession, you at length find the informs the Nobility, Gentry, and la geweral, the le Conso- quesce of the Art of Deception, he has hed conferred upee him the Tide of es EMPEROR or ALL by sumoromo card, and produce it. of Condomen particularly through the Triek of Pown's Assa and a to Lib and for no Mon anem the - way but therefore, the Hond of bie and all remieds Man oult er the "Explanation: The Ase de the Lios's 'The Os and the "reg," No of de Worl, "Having forced a card MONDAY, Feb. 29, 1908, Tuceday, Narch 1, Thureday 3, and Saturday, 5. on one of the company, PART 1. your confederate has an Mr. INGLEBY, and his merituzious Family, FROJ DONDER, SCOTLJIND. tha go Nie and - by opportunity, when the DEXTERITY OF HAND, mutton is sent to be Tach . - never before H - dod , - ef - Mabilly . - - M- INGI roasted, of conveying a Comment - - de whole Compité - way brash des, - Child - - - Ba - la Bome - and - - - - part a the Feck, and lay dem the Flom: - thin duplicate of that le firma - Na Fosi - - of Band. Park of - - Banda, - - alsing - - Cark, - - - - Card - - - - de - - card folded into a narrow HIS PIXIDES METALLURGY. As - the - ", - gha - - . - Pages . - w - at compass into the fleshy - of farma - - is des - the al the think which - - Page - le - - nittes are el - - visi they - - / el - - Mald . - - - - the the - - The - - the Wifs. - - de was n. ber W by - be surá part near the shank, An Operation in Popsomance, - INGA,ROY - de to Thragiti of *** Prissa la Cospley, Qws. which can be easily done Ma - also - Thonghe a Fira - the et - Writts , CUT A FOWL'S HEAD OFF, by means of a sharp a my othe… | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,288 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 288 | THE DISAPPEARING HANDKERCHIEF The method of performing the trick was so familiar to conjurers of Robert-Houdin's time and earlier that Henry Evans Evanion was able to describe it to me from actual witnessings. Acting on his explanation, on my return to America I offered the trick, without any great Frontispiece from Ingleby's book, "Whole Art of Legerdemain," said to be an excellent likeness of the conjurer-author. From the Harry Houdini Collection. amount of preparation and without a hitch, at a matinée entertainment given by a secret organization. I will describe precisely how this was done, and allow my readers to judge of the similarity of the trick offered years ago by [259] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,289 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 289 | THE UNMASKING OF ROBERT-HOUDIN humble travelling magicians whose names have been written most faintly in the annals of conjuring, and the much-vaunted trick "invented" by Robert-Houdin for the entertainment of his sovereign. The hall in which the matinée was given was located in Harlem, Borough of Manhattan, New York City, and I had decided that the handkerchiefs which were to make the flying journey should be "desired" by some one pres- ent to appear under the top step of the winding staircase in the Statue of Liberty, which is located in New York Harbor. This meant a half-hour ride from the hall to the boat in a Subway train; then a run across New York Harbor to the Statue. These boats left the dock on the hour and the half-hour, so I timed my performance to fill just half an hour, starting with some sleight-of-hand, the egg-bag trick, and swallowing a package of needles and bringing them up threaded, which latter trick was introduced into magical performances in Europe by K. K. Kraus in 1816. Just before 3:30 o'clock I borrowed three handkerchiefs and tied them together for casier handling. I had three handkerchiefs, similarly tied together, under my vest, and just at 3:30, I switched the two sets of handkerchiefs, so that the handkerchiefs furnished by the spectators were under my vest and the bogus handkerchiefs in my hand. First I dropped the bogus handkerchiefs on the table-trap, picking up the opaque glass cover with which they were to be hidden, and, by a carefully rehearsed bit of carelessness, dropped and broke it. Then, leaving the bogus handkerchiefs on the table trap, I stepped toward the wings, apparently to secure another glass bell [260] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,290 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 290 | THE DISAPPEARING HANDKERCHIEF or cover. To all in- tents and purposes, I did not pass from the view of the audience, for fully half of my 4 body was on the stage, but as my assistant handed me a new glass cover, he deftly ex- tracted the real hand- PORTICO ROOMS, NEWINGTON, BOLD-ST. kerchiefs from under THE ARRIVAL OF my vest. Then, while MONS. LE SUCKE, THE GREAT I returned to the stage with my patter and MAGICIAN ! description of the flight EMPEROR OF ALL WIZARDS, the handkerchiefs were was WILL MANE mus FIBAT EN THIS TOWN, On Tuesday, June 18, 1844, about to make, my as- AND OPEN HIS CRAND 0 sistant, with the hand- - SPLENDED PAINTINGS A TABLES COVERED WITH CRISSON VELVET. kerchiefs in his pocket, - - Arma the the vith af - Transparent Globular lampa, walked unnoticed from ly ite MITHOLOGY TRANS the door, and, once out - SECRET DA EETS, THE WALKING CARD of sight, ran madly to FLIGHT OF COINS, MAG10 FLIGHT, -- - LADY'S GLOVE REAIORED. Pasamera 1908, - - - the Subway station. AN BINET. MAGIC NALIEDESCOPE THE UNLMONY THE CUBES OF CABRIA, There he boarded an - esca - or - TAPER MIRACULOUS FEAST, express and reached LAAE AN TLVING WATCE VOLCANIA'S CHICLETS Zamiel's project, BOTTLE OF ASMODEOUS, on the boat landing just FIERY COLUMN, de THE ERIAL CAND DE TRI - MISTIC ECCALIOBIOK in time to catch the 4- - GOLDEN - FLIGNT or BERCURV, FLORA'S GIFT, DE - o'clock boat. At the CARDIOLOGIOMANIA, 07 CHARHED PAQUET, and THE - Statue, my brother and Gobirt of - WITCI'S PLUTO'S BOTTLE, a tinsmith were wait- Reproduction of a rare Buck handbill, dated ing for him. The 1844. From the Harry Houdini Collection. [261] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,291 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 291 | THE UNMASKING OF ROBERT-HOUDIN handkerchiefs were placed in the tin box, securely sol- dered, and then this box was placed inside a second iron box, which was locked. The "plant" was then taken upstairs and hidden under the top step. In the mean time, with my thoughts following my assistant every step of his trip, I was playing out my end of the game. The audience was supplied with blank cards on which they might write the name of the place where the handkerchiefs should reappear. This, of course, took some time, and when the cards, each folded to hide the writing thereon, were collected in a hat, I shook them up thoroughly, and then turned them out upon a plate, deftly adding, on the top, three cards which I had concealed in my hand. This was sleight-of-hand purely, and I next picked out those three prepared cards on each of which was written "Can you send the handker- chiefs under the top step of the Statue of Liberty ?" Explaining that I had in my hand three cards chosen at haphazard, I wished the final choice to be made by a disinterested party. A baby was finally chosen to select the card. Naturally, I refused even to take the slip of paper from the baby's hand, and one of the lodge members read the question. Murmurs of surprise and incredulity echoed from all over the hall. The test was too difficult! I then an- nounced that if the audience would select its own com- mittee, making sure to pick out men who could not be bribed, I would accompany them, and we would surely return with the handkerchiefs, sealed in double boxes, as found under the famous stairway. As an elaborate course luncheon was to be served, the committee had [ 262] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,292 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 292 | THE DISAPPEARING HANDKERCHIEF time to act, and away we went, leaving the lodge to its feast. So much time had been lost in selecting the com- mittee that we reached the wharf just in time to catch the 5 o'clock boat. On landing I received a prearranged signal from my assistants that all was well, and as I watched my committee dash up the stairs I knew that their quest would be rewarded. When the committee and the writer returned to the lodge-room, a mechanic was required to pry open the box. There lay the identical handkerchiefs furnished by my spectators, who could hardly believe their eyes. On other occasions I have asked my audience to select a spokesman, who in a loud voice would announce the point at which the handkerchiefs would be found, and then my man, waiting just outside the door, would mount his bicycle and pedal like mad for the hiding-place, naturally outstripping any committee appointed. But the first method, that of selecting the place beforehand and ha ving all arrangements made, even to the three prepared cards, is safest and is probably the one used by Robert- Houdin to deceive the French monarch. I doubt if he even had three different cards prepared, as he claims. I believe he exaggerated his feat, for that would have been taking long chances. For this trick I claim not an iota of originality. I simply fitted it to the time, the place, and the audience, and that I believe is all Robert-Houdin did when he "invented" the disappearing handkerchief trick for the amusement of his sovereign. [ 263 ) | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,293 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 293 | CHAPTER X ROBERT-HOUDIN'S IGNORANCE OF MAGIC AS BETRAYED BY HIS OWN PEN TATEMENTS in Robert-Houdin's various works S on the conjurer's art corroborate my claim that he was not a master-magician, but a clever purloiner X and adapter of the tricks invented and used by his predecessors and contemporaries. Whenever, in these books, he attempts to explain or expose a trick which was not part of his répertoire, he betrays an ignorance which would be impossible in a conjurer versed in the finer and nore subtle branches of his art. Neither do these expla- nations show that he was clever enough as a mechanic to have invented the apparatus which he claimed as his handiwork. He states that practice and still more prac- tice are essential, yet no intelligent performer, amateur or professional, can study my collection of Robert-Houdin programmes, handbills, and press notices without realiz- ing that his répertoire contained little or no trace of what should be the foundation of successful conjuring, sleight- of-hand. Changing his fingers over the various air-holes of the inexhaustible bottle was as near as he ever came to sleight-of-hand, even when he was in the height of his success. According to the press notices he had a pleasing stage presence, and also dressed and set forth his tricks richly, but it must be borne in mind that then, as often to-day, [ 264 ] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,294 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 294 | ROBERT-HOUDIN'S IGNORANCE OF MAGIC the man sent by an editor to criticise a conjurer's per- formance knew little or nothing about the art and could not institute comparisons between different magicians. To-day Robert-Houdin would shine as an exhibitor of illusions or mechanical toys. A pistol shot, a puff of smoke-and his confederate or assistant has done the real work behind the scenes. His lack of finesse as a sleight-of-hand performer is nowhere more clearly shown than in his own writings. On page 37 of his French exposé of the secrets of magic, entitled "Comment on Devient Sorcier" (page 5I of the English translation by Professor Hoffmann, "The Secrets of Conjuring and Magic"), he thus naïvely describes his masterpiece of coin-palming: "I myself practised palming long and perseveringly, and acquired thereat a very considerable degree of skill. I used to be able to palm two five-franc pieces at once, the hand, nevertheless, remaining as freely open as though it held nothing whatever." An amateur of his own day would have blushed to admit that he could palm but two coins. Men like T. Nelson Downs, "The Koin King," think nothing of palming twenty five-franc or silver dollars, or forty half- dollars, and even this record has been broken. Even two writers who contributed to the translation and editing of his works, R. Shelton Mackenzie and Pro- fessor Hoffmann (Angelo J. Lewis), and who have drawn rich royalties for the same, apologize for his flagrant mis- statements, which, they realize, any man or woman with but a slight knowledge of conjuring must recognize. His first contribution to the history of magic was his [ 265 ] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,295 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 295 | THE UNMASKING OF ROBERT-HOUDIN "Memoirs"; and while he does not feature exposures of tricks in this work, he offers, in passing, explanations of tricks and automata presented by other magicians. For the most part these explanations are obviously incorrect, and so prove that he was ignorant of certain fundamental principles of the art in which he claimed to have shone. In the introduction of the American edition, published in 1850, Mr. Mackenzie, the editor, thus apologizes for one of Robert-Houdin's most flagrant mistakes in tracing the history of magic: "One error which M. Houdin makes must not be passed over. His account of M. de Kempelen's cele- brated automaton chess-player (afterward Maëlzel's) is entirely wrong. This remarkable piece of mechanism was constructed in 1769, and not in I796; it was the Empress Maria-Theresa of Austria who played with it, and not Catherine II. of Russia; it was in 1783 that it first visited Paris, where it played at the Café de la Regence; it was not taken to London until 1784, and again in 1819; it was brought to America in 1825, by M. Maëlzel, and visited our principal cities, its chief resting- place being Philadelphia; M. Maëlzel's death was in 1838, on the voyage from Cuba to the United States, and not, as M. Houdin says, on his return to France; and the automaton, so far from being taken back to France, was sold by auction here, finally purchased by the late Dr. J. K. Mitchell, of Philadelphia, reconstructed by him, and finally deposited in the Chinese Museum (formerly Peale's), where it was consumed in the great fire which destroyed the National Theatre (now the site of the Continental Hotel, corner of Ninth and Chestnut Streets), [ 266 ] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,296 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 296 | ROBERT-HOUDIN'S IGNORANCE OF MAGIC and, extending to the Chinese Museum, burnt it down on July 5th, 1854. An interesting account of the Automaton Chess-Player, written by Prof. George Allen, of this city, will be found in "The Book of the First American Chess Congress,' recently published in New York." Signor Blitz, in his book "Fifty Years in the Magic Circle," corroborates the Mackenzie correction, by telling how he saw Maëlzel in Havana, Cuba, where the famous German met his professional Waterloo, first in small audiences, then in the death of his faithful confederate, Schlomberg. Finally, broken in health and spirit, Maëlzel sailed from Havana for Philadelphia, but death overtook him at sea. His body was consigned to the ocean's depths, and his few effects were sold to liquidate the cost of passage and other debts. That Robert-Houdin should make an error concerning a world-famous automaton the history of which could be traced through contemporary periodicals and libraries, is almost inconceivable and proves the carelessness with which he gathered and presented facts. His inability to grasp the principles on which other performers built their tricks is shown most clearly when he attempts to describe and explain the performances of the Arabian mountebanks whom he saw during his stay in Algiers. These tricks have been handed down from one generation to another, and now that Arabian con- jurers and acrobats are imported for hippodrome and vaudeville performances in all civilized countries, the tricks described by Robert-Houdin are familiar to the general public. They are also copied by performers of other nationalities, and can be seen in circus side-shows [ 267 ] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,297 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 297 | THE UNMASKING OF ROBERT-HOUDIN and at fairs, as well as in the better grade of houses. Having worked on the same bill with genuine Arabian performers, I know just how the tricks are accomplished. Robert-Houdin undertakes to explain these tricks in chapter XXII. of the American edition of his "Me- moirs." So long as he quotes reliable authorities like the Journal des Sciences, the explanations are correct. Di- rectly he attempts an independent exposure, he strikes far from the correct explanation. On page 424 he states: "In the following experiment, two Arabs held a sabre, one by the hilt, the other by the point; a third then came forward, and after raising his clothes so as to leave the abdomen quite bare, laid himself flat on the edge of the blade, while a fourth mounted on his back, and seemed to press the whole weight of his body on him. "This trick may be easily explained. "Nothing proves to the audience that the sabre is really sharpened, or that the edge is more cutting than the back, although the Arab who holds it by the point is careful to wrap it up in a handkerchief-in this, imitating the jugglers who pretend they have cut their fingers with one of the daggers they use in their tricks. "Besides, in performing this trick, the invulnerable turned his back on the audience. He knew the advantage to be derived from this circumstance; hence, at the mo- ment when about to lay himself on the sabre, he very adroitly pulled back over his stomach that portion of his clothing he had raised. Lastly, when the fourth actor mounted on his back, he rested his hands on the shoulders of the Arabs who held the sabre. The latter apparently [ 268 ] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,298 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 298 | ROBERT-HOUDIN'S IGNORANCE OF MAGIC maintained his balance, but, in reality, they supported the whole weight of his body. Hence, the only require- ment for this trick is to have the stomach more or less Pressed in, and I will explain presently that this can be effected without any danger or injury." In this explanation Robert-Houdin is entirely wrong. Singhalese THE KANDIN from the IsleorCeylon A WITH THE IRON SHIN A Rannin lithograph, showing him doing the sword-walking act which Robert-Houdin claimed to have been a fraud. Rannin is still working in Ger- many, imitated by many, equalled by none. From a photograph in the Harry Houdini Collection. The real secret of lying on top of a sharp-edged razor, sword, or sabre rests on the fact that the performer does actually lie upon it in a perfectly motionless position. Were he to move but the width of a hair, backward or [ 269] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,299 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 299 | THE UNMASKING OF ROBERT-HOUDIN forward or sidewise, the weapon would slice his body, resulting in instant death or horrible mutilation. I have watched cheap performers of this class of work, in dime museums or fairs, walk up a ladder of sharp swords which I had previously held in my hand. They would place the foot down with infinite precision and then press it into place. This position will not result in cutting, but let the performer slip or slide and the flesh would be cut instantly. I have also seen an acrobat, working in a circus, select two razors in first-class condition, place them on a socket with the edges of the razors uppermost, and with his bare hands he would do what is known as a hand-stand on the keen edges of the blades. This trick of absolute balance is acquired by persistent practice from youth up. Again Robert-Houdin errs wofully in comparing the sabre-swallower to the swallower of broken bottle-heels and stones. Sabre-swallowing is one trick, swallowing pebbles and broken glass belongs in quite a different class. And when I say this I do not mean powdered glass, but pieces of glass first broken, then chewed, and finally swallowed. On page 426 Robert-Houdin puts the two tricks in the same class, as follows: "When the trick of swallowing bottle-heels and pebbles was to be done, the Aïssaoua really put them in his mouth, but I believe, I may say certainly, that he removed them at the moment when he placed his head in the folds of the Mokadem's burnous. However, had he swallowed them, there would have been nothing wonderful about this, when we compare it with what was done some thirty [270] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,300 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 300 | ROBERT-HOUDIN'S IGNORANCE OF MAGIC years back in France by a mountebank called "the Sabre- Swallower.' "This man, who performed in the streets, threw back his head so as to form a straight line with his throat, and really thrust down his gullet a sabre, of which only the hilt remained outside his mouth. "He also swallowed an egg without cracking it, or even nails and pebbles, which he caused to resound, by striking his stomach with his fist. "These tricks were the result of a peculiar formation in the mountebank's throat, but, if he had lived among the Aïssaoua, he would have assuredly been the leading man of the company." The sabre-swallower never releases his hold on the weapon. The pebble and bottle-heel swallower does- but brings them up again, by a system of retching which results from long practice. The Japanese have an egg- swallowing trick in which they swallow either small- sized ivory balls or eggs, and reproduce them by a retch- ing so unnoticeable that they could easily show the mouth empty. This trick dates back to the offerings of that celebrated water-spouter, Blaise Manfrede, or de Manfre, who trav- elled all over Europe. This man could swallow huge quantities of water and then eject it in streams or in small quantities or fill all sorts of glasses. In fact this one trick made him famous. The European Magazine, London, March, 1765, pages 194-5, gives a most diverting descrip- tion of his trick, taken from an old letter, and here quoted : "I have seen, at the September fair in Francfort, a man who professed drinking fifty quarts of water in a [ 271 ] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,301 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 301 | THE UNMASKING OF ROBERT-HOUDIN day, and indeed proved that he was capable of execut what he pretended to. I saw him perform frequen and remember it as well as if it was but yesterday. said he was an Italian; he was short and squat, SOLVS stevr SOL FAMA VOLAT EFFITIES DE BLASIS DE SICULE Blasius de Manfre or Blaise Manfrede, from a rare old woodcut in the H Houdini Collection. chest, face, forehead, eyes, and mouth very large. pretended to be fifty years old, though he did not se forty. "He was called the famous Blaise Manfrede, a nat of Malta. At Francfort he frequently performed th times a day: for, besides his performances twice a C [272] - | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,302 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 302 | what is most extraordinary is that this water, which he threw out with violence, appeared red like wine. And when he had discharged it into two different bottles, it was red in one and russet like beer in the other; as soon as he shifted the bottles to the contrary sides, they changed their complexion respectively to that of wine or beer, and so successively so long as he continued vomiting; in the mean time, I observed that the water grew less discolored in proportion as he continued to discharge. This was the first act. Then he ranged his two dozen of bottles oppo- site to him on a table, and exposed to everybody's view. Then he took an equal number of bottles, plunged them anew into the bucket, swallowed them too, and returned 18 [ 273 ] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,303 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 303 | THE UNMASKING OF ROBERT-HOUDIN them in water very transparent, rose-water, orange-flower- water, and brandy. "I have smelt the several odours of his liquors; nay, I have seen him set fire to a handkerchief dipt in that which smelt like brandy, and it burnt blue like spirituous liquors. Nay, he frequently promised at Venice to give the water back again in milk and oil. But I think he did not keep his word. In short, he concluded this scene with swallowing successfully thirty or forty glasses of water, always from the same bucket, and after having given notice to the company by his man (who served as an interpreter) that he was going to disembogue, he threw his head back, and spouting out the fair water, he made it spring up with an impetuosity like that of the strongest jet d'eau. This last feat delighted the people infinitely more than all the rest, and during the month he was at Francfort numbers from all parts came to see this slovenly exercise. Though he repeated it more than once a day he had more than four hundred specta- tors at a time. Some threw their handkerchiefs, and some their gloves upon the stage, that he might wet them with the water he had cast up, and he returned them differently perfumed, sometimes with rose-water, sometimes with orange-flower-water, and sometimes with brandy." Another famous juggler and water-spouter was Floram Marchand, whose picture is herewith reproduced. Judg- ing from his dress, he antedated Manfrede. Bell's Messenger of July r6th, 1816, tells of a sword- swallower whose work is extremely pertinent to this dis- cussion, and the clipping is quoted verbatim: "The French papers give a curious account of one [274] - | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,304 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 304 | ROBERT-HOUDIN'S IGNORANCE OF MAGIC James de Falaise, a Norman, about fifty years of age, living in the Rue St. Honoré. It is said that this extraordinary man will swallow whole walnuts, shell and all, a tobacco FLORAM MARCHAND. Water spouter & Juggler. Floram Marchand. From an old, undated English publication in the Harry Houdini Collection. pipe, three cards rolled together, a rose with all its leaves, long stalk, and thorns, a living bird, and a living mouse, and, lastly, a live eel. Like to the Indian jugglers, he [ 275 ] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,305 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 305 | THE UNMASKING OF ROBERT-HOUDIN swallows the blade of a sabre about thirteen inches long of polished steel. This operation he performs very slowly, and with some precaution; though he evinces no symp- tom of pain. After every solid body that he swallows, he Position taken by the subject in the Indian basket trick before he is covered by the sheet. always takes a small dose of wine expressly prepared for him. He does not seem to make any effort to kill the living animals that he takes in his mouth, but boasts that he feels them moving in his stomach." [276] | |
unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf,306 | unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 306 | ROBERT-HOUDIN'S IGNORANCE OF MAGIC In my collection is the handbill of a stonc-swallower who exhibited at No. IO Cockspur Street, London, charg- ing an admission fee of half-a-crown. These performers actually swallowed the water, stones, Indian fakir seated in the basket after the subject has been "vanished." pebbles, etc., and retched them up again so cleverly and at such carefully selected instants that the audience did not know that the disgorging had been accomplished. Swallowing glass was a different matter, and the mod- [ 277 ] |
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