Magically Naming a Written Card
This experiment consists in requesting anyone of a company of spectators to name a card and write it on a piece of paper, whereupon the performer instantly names the card written.
Two persons are necessary, the performer and his assistant. The performer leaves the room while the spectator writes the name of the card on the paper, the assistant supplying the paper and pencil. When the name of the card is written, the paper is folded by the spectator and handed to the assistant with the pen or pencil. The assistant lays the pencil and paper on a table in certain positions to designate the name of the card. Previous to this test, the performer and the assistant must have the positions of the paper and pencil mentally fixed in their minds. Referring to the sketch, the four sides of the table represent the card suits, viz., spades, hearts, clubs, and diamonds; and an imaginary circle divided into twelve parts indicates the number of the card, 1 standing for ace, 2 for deuce, and so on.
The Markings are Memorized so That Only Positions of Pencil and Paper will be Seen
The assistant, knowing what has been written on the paper, places the paper to indicate the suit, and the pencil is laid so that it points to the number on the imaginary circle, or dial. The one shown in the sketch is designating the four of hearts.
Dry-Cleaning Mixture
An emulsion of gasoline and water is much used by dry cleaners for removing grease, tar, and paint spots from clothing. It is in the form of a thick, white sirup, which evaporates entirely and is not injurious to any fabric or color. The directions for preparing this emulsion should be followed out carefully.
Dissolve, in 1 qt. of boiling water, ¹⁄₂ oz. of pure castile soap, and ¹⁄₄ oz. of gum arabic. Allow this to cool, and then add 1 oz. glycerin, 1 oz. strong aqua ammonia, 1¹⁄₂ oz. chloroform, and 2 oz. sulphuric ether. Shake well, and pour enough of the mixture into a quart bottle to fill it for ³⁄₄ in. On top of this, pour not more than ¹⁄₄ in. of gasoline, and shake until creamy. Repeat the addition of gasoline, shaking each time, until full. The cleaning mixture will then be ready for use, and may be applied with a rag, or small brush.
If, on adding the first lot of gasoline and shaking, the mixture does not become emulsified, it proves that too much gasoline has been added. In this case, allow it to stand for a few minutes, and pour off the excess gasoline which comes to the top. Shake well, and add a smaller quantity of gasoline. When the bottle is half full, larger quantities of gasoline may be added at a time.