Magical Explosion.
Make up some gunpowder, in the form of a small cartridge, in each end of which put a blunt wire, so that the ends inside of the cartridge be about half an inch off each other; then join the chain that proceeds from one side of the electrifying battery, to the wire at the other end, the shock will instantly pass through the powder, and set it on fire.
Artificial Earthquake.
In the middle of a large basin of water, lay a round wet board. On the board place any kind of building, made of pasteboard, of separate pieces, and not fastened together. Then, fixing a wire that communicates with the two chains of the electrifying battery, so that it may pass over the board and the surface of the water, upon making the explosion, the water will become agitated as in an earthquake, and the board, moving up and down, will overturn the structure, while the cause of the commotion is totally concealed.
The Magic Dance.
From the middle of the brass arch suspend three small bells. The two outer bells hang by chains, and the middle one by a silk string, while a chain connects it with the floor. Two small knobs of brass, which serve as clappers, hang by silk strings, one between each two bells. Therefore, when the two outer bells communicating with the conductor are electrified, they will attract the clappers and be struck by them. The clappers being thus loaded with electricity, will be repelled, and fly to discharge themselves upon the middle bell, after which they will be again attracted by the outer bells; and thus, by striking the bells alternately, the ringing may be continued as long as the operator pleases.
You next suspend a plate of metal from the same part of the arch to which the bells are connected; then, at the distance of a few inches from the arch, and exactly under it, place a metal stand of the same size. On the stand place several figures of men, animals, or what you please, cut in paper, and pretty sharply pointed at each extremity. When the plate that hangs from the arch is electrified, the figures will dance with astonishing rapidity, and the bells will keep ringing, to the no small entertainment of the spectators.
The Electrical Fountain.
Suspend a vessel of water from the middle of the brass arch, and place in the vessel a small tube. The water will be one continued stream; and if the electrification be strong, a number of streams will issue, in form of a cone, the top of which will be at the extremity of the tube. This experiment may be stopped and renewed almost instantly, as if at the word of command.