Magic, Stage Illusions and Scientific Diversions, Including Trick Photography

by Albert A. Hopkins

FIG. 10.—INSTANTANEOUS PHOTOGRAPH OF A MAN WALKING.

FIG. 11.—MAN CLOTHED IN BLACK VELVET.
The axes of the limbs are traced by white cords; the joints carry white buttons
placed at the point of rotation. The head is covered by a helmet of black velvet
which completely hides it, and to which is affixed a bright ball at the level of the ear.

FIG. 12.—CHRONOPHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGES OF A RUNNER.
Below the figure is a scale whose divisions are 0.50 meter (19⁷⁄₁₀ inches) long,
and serve to give the extent of the movements.

Against the dark field just described, a man placed in full light, naked, or clothed in white, gives a sharp image on the sensitized plate. The results in running and jumping which are obtained by this means are very satisfactory. For scientific purposes it is found that the results are better if, instead of white clothing, the runner is clothed in black velvet. By this means he becomes nearly invisible before the black area. If white cords are attached to this costume, following the direction of the axes of his limbs, and white buttons used for the principal articulations, the white parts are reproduced and reobtained on the sensitized plate in an almost unlimited number of positions.