CHAP. XX.
An artificial Spider, which moves by Electricity.
Take a bit of burnt cork, as big as a pea; give it the shape of a spider; make its legs with threads of hemp; put a grain of lead in the cork to give it some weight; then hang this artificial spider by a bit of grey sewing silk (that is not twisted) between two bodies, the one electrified and the other not; or between two bodies endowed with different electricities: it will go and come between these two bodies, and the movement of the legs will be seen as plain as if it were a living spider.
This artificial spider, if well made, will astonish those who see it move so naturally.
CHAP. XXI.
To extinguish two Wax Candles, and light two others, distant about three Feet, by the firing of a Pistol, loaded with Powder, as usual.
Nothing is more simple than the operation which produces this supernatural effect.
1st. Get some whole wax candles, and let them be recently snuffed.