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Modern Magic: A Practical Treatise on the Art of Conjuring
·
Professor Hoffmann
646
Among
the
conjuring
tricks
depending
upon
the
principle
of
electro-magnetic
attraction,
the
simplest
is
that
of
THE
LIGHT
AND
HEAVY
CHEST.--This
is
a
small
brass-bound
box,
with
the
ordinary
handle
at
top.
The
performer
shows
that
it
is
empty,
and
without
mechanism
or
preparation.
Having
been
duly
inspected,
it
is
placed
upon
a
small
pedestal
fixed
to
the
stage,
when
the
performer
requests
that
some
gentleman
of
considerable
personal
strength
will
step
forward.
A
volunteer
having
been
found,
the
magician
asks
him
whether
he
thinks
he
can
lift
the
little
box
before
him.
He
naturally
answers
that
he
can,
and
proves
his
assertion
by
lifting
it
accordingly,
which,
as
the
box
only
weighs
a
few
pounds,
it
is
not
very
difficult
to
do.
“Wait
a
bit,”
says
the
professor,
“you
were
able
to
lift
it
then,
because
it
was
my
will
and
pleasure
that
you
should
do
so.
It
now
weighs”
(say)
“six
pounds.
I
have
only
to
breathe
on
it
thus,
and
it
will
instantly
weigh
two
tons.
Try
if
you
can
lift
it
now.”
Again
he
tries,
but
the
chest
is
as
if
glued
to
the
pedestal,
and
the
most
violent
efforts
cannot
dislodge
it.
Once
more
the
performer
breathes
upon
it,
and
it
may
be
lifted
with
one
finger.
The
explanation
may
be
given
in
half-a-dozen
lines.
The
bottom
of
the
box
is
an
iron
plate.
The
top
of
the
pedestal
is
also
an
iron
plate,
and
within
it
is
contained
a
powerful
electro-magnet,
the
poles
being
in
contact
with
the
plate,
and
the
wires
to
convey
the
current
passing
beneath
the
stage
to
the
hiding-place
of
the
assistant.
The
latter,
on
receiving
his
cue
from
the
expressions
of
the
performer,
presses
the
connecting
stud
and
completes
the
circuit,
thereby
bringing
the
magnetic
force
into
operation.
Upon
again
receiving
an
agreed
signal
from
the
performer,
he
ceases
to
press
the
stud,
the
circuit
is
broken,
and
the
iron
ceases
to
possess
any
magnetic
force.
This
may
be
repeated
as
often
as
desired.
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