| To invent a new method of achieving magical effect, | | | | material. |
| you must be familiar with the classic methods first. Like | | | | As an example we might paraphrase a Lloyd Enochs |
| the effect of production, one of the most elementary | | | | variation of a Jardine Ellis wineglass production. Instead |
| yet important methods is to conceal the object to be | | | | of a wineglass, let us assume that we need a pair of |
| produced within the clothing worn by the performer. | | | | scissors for a cut rope trick we are about to do. The |
| A billiard ball is the most common example, perhaps. | | | | scissors are hanging point down from a clip. This clip is |
| The magician reaches into the air and apparently | | | | secured to the performer's vest at about belt height. |
| grasps the object. At the same time, while the | | | | The whole, clip and scissors, is concealed by the left |
| spectators' attention is on the hand reaching for the | | | | side of the coat. Or the clip may be dispensed with, |
| object, the other hand unobtrusively actually secures it. | | | | the point of the scissors being tucked between the |
| Then the hand, which has reached into the air, is | | | | waistband of the trousers and the body, handle |
| brought to the hand actually containing the object. The | | | | upwards. Now the performer wipes his hands with his |
| performer apparently places it in the latter hand and | | | | handkerchief. Holding the handkerchief in his left hand, |
| holds it up to view. The object to be produced has | | | | he allows it to fall down, retaining it by one corner |
| been secured from a secret hiding place and has been | | | | clipped between the first and second fingers. |
| brought into position for revelation, while the spectators' | | | | Meanwhile the performer's right hand is exploring the |
| attention has been directed elsewhere. | | | | right vest pocket. But the search is fruitless and he |
| This stratagem has been used for many years for the | | | | takes the handkerchief in his right hand to allow the left |
| production of cigars, cigarettes, balls, cards, eggs, | | | | to similarly investigate the left vest pocket. Still nothing. |
| glasses of liquid and many other things. It is also usable | | | | So with a shrug, he spreads the handkerchief over the |
| for the production of many other things, things not so | | | | right palm, lifts it from the center once or twice. Finally, |
| commonly associated with this principle. I might suggest | | | | he lifts it a bit higher and releases it. The handkerchief |
| eyeglasses, fountain pens, pieces of rope, sandwiches, | | | | fails to fall. A pointed object that seems to be standing |
| pineapples-fruit or explosive, scissors, newspapers or | | | | on the right palm supports it. When the handkerchief is |
| anything else under the sun, of suitable size and | | | | taken away, the scissors are revealed. |