Modern Magic: A Practical Treatise on the Art of Conjuring

A still later improvement is that which is known as THE TRAY OF PROTEUS.--The tray to which the inventors (Messrs. Hiam & Lane) have given the above high-sounding title, is the latest, and not the least ingenious, of the series of magical trays. The tray in question will not only change, but add, subtract, or vanish coins, under the very eyes of the spectators. In form it is an oblong octagon, measuring eight inches by six, and standing about three-quarters of an inch high. (See Fig. 99.) It is divided across the centre, and one half of the centre portion is moveable in the same manner as in the case of the tray last described, save that in this instance the depth between the upper and under surface of the tray being greater, this moveable portion is depressible to a proportionately greater depth. The opposite or fixed side of the tray is divided horizontally (see Fig. 100, representing a longitudinal section) into two levels or platforms, a and b, the lower, b, having a raised edge. Where the tray is to be used for the purpose of “changing,” the coins to be substituted are placed in a row on the upper platform, a. The genuine coins are placed by the performer, holding the tray as indicated in Fig. 99, on the moveable flap, c. Slightly lowering the opposite end of the tray, he presses the button d, thus sloping the flap c, and the coins naturally slide into b. Still keeping the flap open, he now tilts up the opposite end of the tray.