(SEALED)

Compiled by

D. J. LONERGAN

Containing:

Routines,
Methods,
Chemical Formulas,
Subterfuges, Etc.,
For most of the late
Slate Effects now on the
Market . . . . . . .

Pric* $2.00
 "SLATE--SECRETS”

A Professional Treatise.

Complied by

D*J.Lonergan.

Containing:

Routines,
Methods,
Chemical Formulas,
Subterfuges,Etc,
Of most of the late
Slate Effects now on the
Market.. . . . . . . . . . . .

Published by
THE MAGIC MANUSCRIPT COMPANY.
431 North Clark Str.
Chicago. 111.

COPYRIGHT.1930
 " SLATE—SECRETS"

INTRODUCTION.
■Custom demands an Introductory.This one will he concise.
The appearance of this work will be severely censured and damned by
a large number of the Dealers and the "Fraternity. The reasons will
be twofold..This Manuscript will "kill" most of the future sales of
certain "VISIBLE MATERIALIZATION TRICKS" that are now sold for $5.00
and $10.00 each. Secondly,these cheaply prepared Manuscripts are ever
a target for the "Magic Critic" and "Reviewer" to vent their spleen
upon. This one SHOULD be no exception! But,for the benefit of those,the
'elite,*who dot and smear the escutcheon of Magic,let us warn you that
the Compiler is no Grammarian.The text to follow will contain colloquial
usages.Grammatical errors will abound! We had but one thing in mind
when we started this work.That was to be efficient, to give the informTr-
ation to be imparted to. the Reader,in as compact a form as possible.
The Writer forcasts that the time will come when the "secret"
of an effect will be revealed to the prospective purchaser,before his
purchase,enabling him to know if it will be of use to his particular
type of work.'Information of the nature exposed in this work is useful
only if "used'iGive two Magicians a set of "secrets", and one will im­
mediately begin to use its subject matterjwhile the other one will
shelve it in "that Collection.
We have not attempted to "Give Credit where Credit is due'.'
The Effects listed herein are really all from the basic idea,i.e;
"TO PRODUCE SPIRIT WRITING- - - VISIBLE—INVISIBLE—ETC—V We do say
however,that a great deal of time and study was put forth to perfect
the formulae of some of the VISIBLE MATERIALIZATION METHODS,(Many of
which have never been sold before,because,for one reason,they are new!)
As these Effects are still selling at fabulous prices at some
dealers,who chisel a more or less precarious livelihood from the sale
of Magical Paraphernalia,the purchaser of this Manuscript may feel
himself compensated in this respect alone,as a perusel will enlighten
him as to the possibility of their use in his program,without further
expense upon his part.
We are all familiar with the lasting popularity of Slate Trices
It has been the dream of every Magician and Medium to produce writing
upon an ordinary Silicate Slate that would appear slowly RIGHT BEFORE
THE SPECTATORS EYES,seemingly written by an INVISIBLE or UNSEEN HAND.
This Effect has been perfected and is presented for your benefit in the
VISIBLE MATERIALIZATION METHODS chapter elsewhere in this book.In clos­
ing, let us say that we predict a large sale for this little work.Its
unreserved scope will fill a long felt want in the hearts of lovers of
Slate Tricks.May we be excused for the repetition of that time worn
phrase,"-the hope that you may derive as mhch pleasure and knowledge
from the reading of this Work,as the Compiler did in preparing it for
you.
D.J < LONERGAN.
The State Library of Victoria
“ALMA CONJURING COLLECTION”
 "SLATE--SECRETS" 7r2 „

CHEMICAL SLATE TRICKS..

In presenting this complete and practical treatise of Slate Tricks

we are adding this Chapter on Chemical Slate Effects.Most of these meth
are however,more or less 03S0LETE. The following ones are,in the Writer
estimation,the "Cream"of this type of work;and will afford the Fan an
evening of pleasant experimentation.

CAUSTIC PENCIL METHOD.

This is one of the very oldest of Spirit V/riting Methods.lt was
in use twenty-five years ago to the writers knowledge. I-t has one dis­
advantage, the Slate used in the trick can be used but onve.
Procure a cheap Slate (5 cent variety) and write your book test
answer or message upon it.(Using a CAUSTIC or SILVER NITRATE pencil)- -
This may be purchased at any Drug Store for about 15^. Be sure to get
SILVER NITRATE. This pencil will last for many performances.
The Message is written upon the Slate just as you would write it
with an ordinary slate pencil.When the complete message is written it
can be made to disappear by BREATHING- upon the Slate.Upon your table you
should have a glass dish containing a weak salt-water solution and a
sponge.Wash Slates upon both sides with this.(When both sides of the
slates are wet with the solution- - they may be freely shown—without
danger of message being seen).Place Slater-Writing side away from your
Spectator—and proceed with your book test.The Slate will DRY in a very
few seconds and may then be handed to your Spectator.The Writing will
appear as if written with an ordinary slate pencil.(The Salt-water sol­
ution having converted the nitrate of silver into chloride of silver--
which is a white or grey precipitate--closely resembling slate pencil
wrttting). As this message is really ETCHED into Slate,the reason for
the use of CHEAP SLATES is apparent.
*****
LIBRARY PASTE METHOD.
Make a weak dilution of LIBRARY PASTE in water. With a fine Camel-
hair brush cover one side of the slate with this solution.While slate IS
STILL WET write your message upon it with an ordinary slate-pencil.This
paste solution will "FIX" it to the slate. When exhibiting Slate wash it
with a sponge dipped in alcohol,and it may be freely shown (while wet)
in an ordinary dim lighted Seance Room.Dry it lightly and tie it up with
an unprepared slate.Opened a minute later message will be developed.The
burning of Incense will prevent alcohol odor being detected,if performed
in a small Seance Room.
*****
a ANOTHER CHEMICAL SLATE EFFECT.
This is one of the best of the older types of Chemical Tricks.
It has many distinct advantages.The Slates may be left in full view upon
the table before the trick.They may be shown,when dry,to be CLEAN on all
sides.They are washed with a damp cloth,and again shown to be PERFECTLY
'"'CLEAN. They may now be held or tied together, and after the usual Book
test, opened and found to contain the ANSY/ER apparently written IN CLEAR
WHITE CHALIC,instead of faint slate-pencil writing produced by most of the
CHEMICAL METHODS.
 "SLATE-“SECRETS" #3.

ANOTHER CHEMICAL SLATE EFFECT.CONT1D.

The method and reauisttes are both very simple.THE ONE THING TO
BEAR IN MIND IS THAT THE'CHEMICALS ARE POISON!!!!I
The writing is done with a fine camel-hair brush dipped into
SULPHURIC ACID (POISON),. This writing will be INVISIBLE and the Slates
may be shown and handled with ease. THEY CAN BE BRUSHED OFF WITH A DRY
CLOTH.Nov/, the damp cloth is APPARENTLY wet with water--but it is actual!,
WET with a solution of SUB-ACETATE of LEAD (POISON).The Slates are
washed with this SOLUTION.When they are dry your MESSAGE will appear
IN CHALK WHITE WRITING.
•3S-5HHHS-
SLATE MANIPULATION! (NO FLAPS)
Belov/ v/e describe a series of moves and manipulations that will
be new to most Magicians.
Two UNPREPARED SLATES are ACTUALLY shown (APPARENTLY) on all
sides and yet the SPIRIT MESSAGE is PRODUCED without the aid of FLAPS
or FEKES!.
To make these moves clear to the student without the use of
Illustrations,v/e suggest that you number your pair of Slates on all
four sides,i.e.,Numbers:ONE,TWO,THREE,and FOUR.(These numbers may be
written in small figures upon the wooden rims of your slates in the
extreme RIGHT HAND CORNER).Naturally,these numbers are NOT used in the
ACTUAL PRESENTATION of this Effect.
Stack the Slates together,having on the top the Slate marked
ONE and TWO,(Being sure to have the number TWO side on the BOTTOM).
Now,the BOTTOM SLATE,(having the numbers THREE and FOUR on it)is placed
so that the number FOUR side is at the bottom.This v/ill give you the
numbers stacked in consecutive order,ONE,TWO,THREE,and FOUR--from the
top to the bottom when the Slates are STACKED or PLACED TOGETHER.
The WRITING that you wish to MATERIALIZE is written upon the
side of the Slate that v/e have marked number TWO on its border RIM.
After you have written your message on the number TWO side you are now
ready to proceed with the trick. First,show to your Audience the sides
of the Slates numbered ONE and FOUR.(HOLDING THE TWO SLATES TOGETHER
SO -THAT THE MESSAGE ON THE NUMBER TWO SIDE—WILL NOT BE EXPOSED—AS IT
WILL BE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TWO STACKED SLATES BEING FLUSH WITH- THE
NUMBER THREE SIDE.)
Now place the top slate on the bottom,(which will bring number
THREE on top.—Number FOUR and Number ONE in the middle—and number
TWO (the side with your message on it)at the bottom.
Casually show the top slate,which is number THREE,and open the
two slates OUTWARD;(BOOK-FASHION) which will expose tfee number ONE and
FOUR sides of the slates.Now place the Slates so that number ONE will
-'again be on top,and number three on the bottom.Now SHOW THE TOP AND
.BOTTOM of the slates as they are held together,that is numbers ONE and
,THREE. It will now appear to the Audience that they have SEEN ALL FOUR
SIDES OF THE SLATES,but in reality they have missed the MESSAGE side,
Number—"TWO",.
 TT'T*

SLATE MANIPULATIONS (CONT'P),

You now have the Slates bound or tied and you are ready to pro­
ceed with the balance of the Effect, After a little practise you
will make those moves in a natural manner,and very quickly,without a
seconds hesitation.
You will find upon perfecting this routine that you are in pos­
session of a series of moves that will fool many a Medium and Magician,
The ILLUSION created is PERFECT.-The ONLOOKER actually THINKS that
all sides of the Slates wore EXHIBITED,,
The Writer saw THE GREAT 3LACKST0NE do these same moves at one of
his famous SPOOK NITE SHOWS, IT WAS ACTUALLY A MIRACLE in this Magicians
hands* *****
VISIBLE MATERIALIZATION AND INVISIBLE SPIRIT WRITING METHODS.
PREAMBLE.

VISIBLE MATERIALIZATION METHODS of Slate Writing have enjoyed a

large sale among the Magic Dealers,and an immense popularity with the
Magicians the past year. Those Methods are the ones that ALL Magicians
ans Pseudo-Mediums have been hoping fob—for years--but thought im­
possible to do.Doing away with all mechanical means and processes,fakes
and Flaps,as it does,It is no doubt the greatest single advancement in t
this particular line of effects that Magicians have yet encountered.
Nothing,(apparently) but an ordinary Slate Is used.The fact that
the MESSAGE is developed" in REAL SHARP CHALK WRITING--(That is actually
Chalk)—and that the Spectator may ’WASH away the MESSAGE at the con­
clusion of the trick,is also an added feature.Spectator may EVEN keep
the Slate as a Souvenir,as NO AMOUNT OF ANALYSIS WILL REVEAL THE
CHEMICAL SECRET.
*$$*•?«*
VISIBLE MATERIALIZATION METHOD NUMBER ONE.
EFFEDT: Slate is cleaned with a sponge- - and shown REPEATEDLY ON BOTH
SIDES. It is then placed upon a stand-rack in full view of the Audience.-
The usual BOOK,DICTIONARY,OR FIGURE ADDITION TEST is made. A Spectator
is now asked to go to the Slate,(Performer dons not need to go near it)
and Spectator upon turning Slate around finds the MESSAGE,WORD,OR TOTAL,
in CLEAR SNOW-WHITE CHALK. The Slates may now be examined most MINUTELY*

VISIBLE MATERIALIZATION METHOD NUMBER TWO.

EFFECT: In this effect TWO Slates may be used,and Message produced on
one side—or on TW0 sides- - or THREE sides- -or on all FOUR SIDES. This
is possible with method number two,and is offered for THE FIRST TIME IN
MAGIC to the Writers knowledge. The Messages may be produced one at a
time,or all together. In this method the Slates are covered with a
BORROWED HANDKERCHIEF.
 ^SgSfPa^'SBOREHPSai

INVISIBLE SPIRIT HAND METHOD NUMBER THREE.

EFFECT: An ORDINARY SLATE or SILICATE SLATE is exhibited.This is now
throughly cleaned with a moistened sponge.A short Question,,is now ad­
dresses to the "SPIRIT~WORLD, such as : ifDo the Dead 'Return? " —
This question is written across the TOP of the Slate in PLAIN WHITE
CHALK,or the Spectators INITIALS may bo written there instead for later
IDENTIFICATION. Slate is now placed upon Stank-rack on your table,or
suspended by ribbons across the Stage.
PERFORMER now "CALLS"for message to appear from "SPIRIT-WORLD",
SLOWLY,while entire Audience is looking at the Slate,A SPIRIT MESSAGE
VISIBLY- - LINE-BY-LINE--APPEARS,WRITTEN RIGHT under the QUESTION or the
INITIALS that were always VISIBLE at the top of the Slate. THIS MESSAGE
APPEARS IN PURE WHITE CHALK.The Slate may now be passed to Audience with
a dish of CLEAR WATER and a SPONGE- - - and BOTH message and question or
initials may be washed off,TO PROVE MESSAGE WAS NOT ETCHED OR PAINTED
UPON THE SLATE.

REQISTTBS AND CHEMICALS FOR MATERIALIZATION METHODS.

SPECIAL DESIGNED SLATES.
Slates with wooden RIMS may be used in these experiments,but
they are inferior for this type of work. The wooden rims retain the
chemical odor of the BLOCK OUT LIQUIDS,and make the entire test obvious­
ly just a CHEMICAL TRICK.
The type of STRAW-BOARD SLATE described below,are easy to make,
and are IDEAL for all methods of VISIBLE MATERIALIZATION.
Procure a large sheet of STRAW-BOARD from a Book-binder Supply
House.Give this board THREE COATS of "BLACKBOARD SLATE PAINT" (This
paint is obtainable at all SIGN PAINTER SUPPLY STORES) Cut this painted
board,(aftera through DRYING into sizes of 10 X 13 inches. Those Slates
will be found to be suitable for all of the VISIBLE and INVISIBLE method
They are porous,and absorb and retain the BLOCK-OUT LIQUIDS per­
fectly.
*******
FORMULAE FOR BLOCK OUT LIQUIDS.
LIQUIDS "A" . . . . . . . . . . Mucilage.. .one part.
Alcohol.... one part.

LIQUID "B". . . . . . . . . . . . BENZOLE.C.P. (Chemical Pure).

or Naptha.

LIQUID "C”. . . . . . . . . . . . CARBON TETRACHLORIDE. C.P.

•JHfvc
SPECIAL GRADES OF CHALK FOR METHODS.
There are two grades of Chalk used in the VISIBLE MATERIALIZATION
METHODS. ILL MESSAGES ARE WRITTEN WITH THE SOFT CHALK KNOWN AS:
"ATLANTIC WHITE” Brand or "KROMA §53" made by AMERICAN CRAYON CO.The
HARD CHALK is known as the "DUSTLESS-TYPE." This hard dustlcss type is
used in the last method for writing QUESTION or INITIALS on Slate only!
 -MM^ER-Ii\LI-ZAT--I.OTUHETHQDS.CONT'D.
MESSAGE WRITING BEFORE PRESENTAi ION.METHOD #1.

First,sharpen to as fine a point as possible,the soft chalk. . .

Prepare about ten sticks- - Dip a piece of this chalk into solution "A"0
Let the chalk SOAK UP WELL in this liquid...Remove chalk from the liquif
and shake off excess fluid. Start writing: your MESSAGE upon the Straw-
board Slate. Y/RITE VERY LIGHTLY. (You will “'find that the writing is
scarcely visiblc--due to The chemical combination "A" rendering the
chalk almost INVISIBLE).You may disregard this,as WRITING WILL TURN
SNOW-WHITE UPON DRYING.DIP CHALK into the "A" solution every three or
four words- - NOTE! (As the SOFT FINE POINT of the chalk wears down- - -
that is--as the WRITING becomes thick or broad,discard chalk and use a
new fine pointed one dipped,of course,in the "A" solution.Upon complet­
ing MESSAGE let it DRY for 10 or 15 minutes if possible. Your MESSAGE
will now appear CLEAR and ’WHITE; just as any other chalk would appear,
(except that the writing is very THIN and FINE LINED- - ).- - ALWAYS BEAR
THIS IN MIND- - WRITE LIGHTLY--KEEPING THE WRITING THIN AND FINE LINED- -
Much of the SUCCESS OF THESE METHODS ARE DO TO THIS FACT,AS MESSAGES
WILL DEVELOP AND BLOCK-OUT QUICKER when the above is adhered to. NOW
while this MESSAGE LOOKS like ORDINARY CHALK,a peculiar thing will be
noticed here. If you rub the MESSAGE LIGHTLY with your finger-tips,it
will be seen THAT THE MESSAGE WILL NOT ERASE OR RUB OFF AS REGULAR OR
ORDINARY CHALK WRITING WOULD. ALSO,it will not WASH OFF,with a sponge
soaked in solutions,"B"--(with which you will later wash the slatesJbut
upon washing with above,MESSAGE MERELY DISAPPEARS! The solution "A",
performing the function of BINDING or HOLDING the MESSAGE INTACT to the
Slate when it is lightly rubbed over with a sponge soaked in the "B"
solution.
PREP-RATION BEFORE PRESENTATION METHOD ONE.
Upon your table have a large bowl,(Brass or Cellini ware—) Bowl
should be about six inches deep and ten to twelve inches in diameter.)
Into this large bowl place two small glass cups,such as used in Offices
to hold moistening sponges etc. Fill one of these cups with PLAIN V/ATER.
Into this place a small wad of cotton or a small silk sponge.Into the
second cup place wad of cotton or silk sponge.(silk sponges are much
better)and fill this cup with the liquid ”3 .- - - Now take your Straw-
board Slate(which has your message written upon it with the soft chalk
and "fixed"to the Slate with the liquid "A".)Flow a quantity of liquid
"B" over the slate,- - (writing will DISAPPEAR at once)The SOFT,POROUS,
NATURE OF THE SLATEs will retain the liquid for a minute or more,thus
keeping the MESSAGE "BLOCKED-OUT or BLANK". NOW!- - LIGHTLY wipe the wet
surface of the slate with your sponge dipped in the liquid "B1—This
WILL REMOVE the "WET"- - "SHINS" LOOK. Do not RUB too hard! Brush your
sponge very very LIGHTLY over the surface. You are now ready for the:
PRESENTATI0N-
Bring table as arranged as above into the room,(or you may have the
bowl prepared as above--and have assistant bring the"treated"slate to yoyi.
Slate may be freely shown to your Audience,as it is now-(to all appear­
ances blank) REMEMBER,however,which side DOES have the now INVISIBLE
writing upon it.
 "’BI^E^^CKETS"'

MATERIALIZATION METHODS CONT'D.

Place your hand into the bowl,and REMOVE FROM IT the sponge OUT
OF THE SHALL CUP CONTAINING WATER. Wash the side of the slate that is
actually BLANK,(The one that has NO MESSAGE PREPARED ON IT) Wash this
throughly with this water-soaked silk sponge.NOW,REPLACE the WATER
SPONGE INTO THE BOWL-- - - and with one movement- - PICK UP YOUR OTHER
SPONGE SOAKED IN THE LIQUID "B"- - (make this exchange APPEAR as if you
were MERELY RE-WETTING your first sponge). NOV/- - turn your slate OVER
(Blocked-out writing side toward you)--and SQUEEZE or FLOW the liquid
from the sponge all over the surface of the slate.This will cause any
WRITING that may have "DEVELOPED" to again disappear. LIGHTLY brush
over this surface as if you were INTENT upon giving it a THROUGH CLEAN­
SING. Slate may now be shown again ON BOTH SIDES.After this "CLEANSING"
place the slate v/here ever designated by the Audience»(Writing side
AWAY from them ALWAYS!) If you use two slates,Wash the second slate with
the WATER SPONGE and place the prepared slate upon the first one—V/rit-
ing to the INSIDE—Place a piece of Chalk between them,and bind slates
with a stout rubber band.- - CHALK BETWEEN THE SLATES ALLOWS AIR TO ENTER
THUS DRYING SLATES AND DEVELOPING "MESSAGE".After the usual "tests" the
slates are opened or turned around as the case may be,and MESSAGE is
found to be written IN CLEAR WHITE CHALK.While the Audience is inspect­
ing the writing,give a Spectator the Water-sponge and instruct him to
wash a?/ay the message—to prove—THAT IT IS NOT ETCHED THERE WITH ACIDS
ETC.
ADDITIONAL HINTS!!!!!
You may find that the message will develop too fast for proper pre­
sentation and examination.This will be true if your "B" liquid is the
BENZOLE. If you use NAPTHA for your "B" liquid you will find your devel
opment a little slower.as NAPTHA evaporates much slower than the BENZOLE.
NAPTHA,however,gives off a stronger odor than Benzole,and is not as suit­
able for Parlor Work. SUGGESTION: If your table top is covered with a
flowered cretonne cloth,the following hint is a solution for the "too
fast developer"defect.
Soak a piece of cloth of the same material as your table top cover,
with the liquid Benzole,"B". Fold this cloth to just the size of your
slate.Lay this cloth upon your table-top- - taking care to arrange the
design of the folded cloth to match the pattern upon the table-top.This
will be scarcely PERCEPTIBLE at a short distance.If the slate is placed
on this moistened PAD,(writing side down) and a little pressure is used
when placing slate upon it,WRITING WILL DISAPPEAR and REMAIN INVISIBLE
as long as it is left in contact with the wet pad.This method is a fine
one for the Performer who lacks an Assistant.
ANOTHER METHOD:
If you use the stone slates with the wooden rims,in place of the
recommended Straw-board ones,this is the method to use: Get a SILICATE
FLAP to fit the Stone Slate you are to use.Upon one side of this FLAP,
glue several LAYERS of absorbent tissue paper- - the kind known and adver­
tised for the removal of cold creams is perfect for this work,i.e.,
"KLEENIX" ETC.
 ' “DiSUKETD ' go.
EERTERTAKIEATIONniETIIODS^ONT-H>r
Trim off any overlaping edges,and your FLAP will consist of one
Slate side and one side having a heavy layer of tissue glued to it.
Write MESSA3-E upon Stone-slate with the soft chalk soaked in the
"A" solution the 3ame way as described elsewhere in this work. WET THE
TISSUE SIDE of the FLAP with the liquid "B','and place it, tissue side dow.
upon the message side of the stone slate.Now to all appearances you sho?
AN ORDINARY STONE SLATE (a 3a old style FLAP). In the act of "washing"
this slate the flap is left upon your table top,and the slate is placed
upon your stand-rack for "development". You will have just time enough
to "flash" the blocked-out message side to your Audience as the message
will show up upon the stone about 5 times as fast as on the Straw-board;
due to the fact that none of the Block-out liquid is retained by the
stone or silicate slate.

VISIBLE MATERLILIZATION METHOD NUMBER TWO.

This Effect is merely an elaboration of the number one method.As
there is ACTUALLY no "force" of the side of the slate that the message
is to appear upon,it becomes worthy of mention here. Two Straw-board
Slates are used.They are numbered,142-3-and A respectively. The numbers
should be painted upon the slates in the upper left hand cornors,Large
numerals in any bright color are suggested. NOTE: The message to be pro
itduced^is written upon ALL FOUR SIDES^OF THE SLATES!.The Messages are
"fixed"to the slates just as in the number one method. The Performer now
asks the Audience what numbered side of the four sides of the slates the
want the "message" to appear upon! After the selection of a side is made
proceed as follows: If number one side i3 selccted--wash the number one
side with your sponge soaked in liquid "B",(This causes the message to
vanish from the selected side—which you now freely show) Now,while you
are showing the now INVISIBLE message side number one, EXCHANGE. SPONGES
getting a water sponge this time,and ACTUALLY WASH OFF THE MESSAGE THAT
IS VISIBLE TO YOU UPON THE NUMBER TV/O SIDE. This slate is now placed on
the Stand-rack,(message 3ide away from audience) and the message is now
shown at the proper time.
If #2 side is selected—wash the it 1 side with the water-sponge,and
wash the #2 side with the liquid "B"and proceed as above.
If the number 3 side is selected--Wash #1 and #2. sides with the
water-sponge,and the #3 side with the liquid "B".Wash H4 side with the
water-sponge.
If the #4 side is selected—Wash the H1,2,and 3 sides with the
water-sponge,and the #4 side with the sponge soaked in the "B" liquid.
In other words you merely WASH OFF THE MESSAGES FROM THE SIDES OF
THAT ARE NOT SELECTED BY YOUR AUDIENCE,with the water sponge,and CAUSE
the MESSAGE on the side of the slate that is SELECTED to become BLANK
or INVISIBLE for the moment with the liquid "B"sponge.
 ■ slat*;—sockets" 7ry.
INVISIBLE SPIRIT HAND METHOD NUMBER THREE,.
In this,the last method,the success of its performance depends on
the showmanship exhibited by the Performer as well as his manipulations
In order to acquaint the reader with the process--we outline^this
tost experiment— Use a Straw-board Slate with the message fixed unto
it with the soft white chalk and the solution "A".Allow the MESSAGE to
become DRY! .Now, place the slate flat upon your table-top (Message side
upwards)Pour a liberal quantity of solution "C" over its surface, ihe
MESSAGE will FADE OUT.After the slate has soaked up this first flowing
of solution "O','again pour a goodly quantity of it over the message side
of this slate.NOW- - RAISE THE SLATE TO A VERTICAL POSITION and lean it
against your stand-rack.Stop back a few feet from the rack,and you will
witness the process in action as seen by youfc Spectators. AS^THE LIQUI
FLOWS DOWNWARDS OFF THE SLATE the UPPER LINE of the "message will be­
come VISIBLE.-—As the liquid flows off the slate entirely the other
lines become VISIBLE--line—by--line.This effect is real uncanny when
seen from your present viewpoint.(You may let the liquid run off on to
the table-top or if slate is hung by clips and a ribbon let liquid run
unto floor or carnet—it is harmless).
STAGE PRESENTATION: For the VISIBLE APPEARANCE of a message under a
question written upon the of a shown slate. Also INITIALS of SPECTATOR
may be placed at the slate top for further identification.
Have upon your table a shallow pan, slightly larger than the slate
you are to use.Pan should be about one inch deep.(Pan sunken into the
table top and pan bottom covered with table top material a very good
idea to use).In two corners of this pan place two blocks of wood aoout
one inch square. The Pan is filled with the Liquid C .
The Message is written UPON THE LOWER L HALF OF THm SL^TE with o
SOFT CHALK just as in the other methods.WASH THE TOP HALF OF THIS PRE­
PARED SLATE WITH A WATER SOAKED SILK SPONGE. Do this °ff f ^SO—bemg
careful NOT to got any of the NOW VISIBLE MESSAGE VIET WIiH_AAER. po
your table also have several pieces of the HiiRD DUSTLESS-TYPn -1 •
With your table set as above walk out upon the Stage- with the pre­
pared slate (VISIBLE MESSAGE SIDE AWAY FROM THE AUDIENCE). In the ~ct
of ' CLEANING' the slate insert it—writing side down—into the pan upon
your table.Proceed to "wash" the top side of the slate with the liquid
"C" that fills the pan. The bottom side of the slate having now been in
the pan long enough to absorb the "C" liquid--the message is BLuiNl an
the slate may be removed and "flashed" to your Audience. Show it on o
sides bringing the "message" side facing you. You will now see that the
top half of the slate --that which you washed off stage with a water-
soaked sponge—HAS RESISTED THE "BLOCK-OUT SOLUTION C -- Pic-£ )fP ,
piece of the HARD DUSTLESS CHALK and write the QUESTION or the INITInLS
you are going to use. YOU WILL FIND THAT THE HARD DUSTLESu CHnL '
NOT DISAPPEAR—as the soft one did—BUT THAT IT WILL STnND OUT IN CLEnR
WHITE OUTLINE. QUICKLY show this question across t-he top of the,slate—
you will have ample time—before message begins to luiTERI^ujlkL ii yo
have soaked them long enough— Now you may place the slate wherever
selected and await MATERIALIZATION.
 INVISIBLE SPIRIT HANlTTlETHOD NUMBW^HREErCONT^B.

For a VISIBLE EFFECT after showing question upon the top of slate,
replace the slate into the pan--message side down--having the "question'
end resting upon the two blocks OUT OF THE LIQUID* "WASH" the upper side
again,and slate may now be removed from the "washing pan" and placed in
a vertical position against the stand-rack or attached to ribbons and
clips and hung from the center of your stage.ALL THAT WILL BE VISIBLE
NOW IS THE QUESTION OR THE INITIALS AS THE CASE MAY BE. BUT- - AS THE
LIQUID "C" rums down OFF of the slate The FIRST LINE OF YOUR ANSWER OR
MESSAGE will become visible RIGHT BEFORE YOUR SPECTATORS EYES. First,it
will appear FAINTLY! THEN CLEAR AND WHITE and IN REAL WHITE CHALK,as tho
it was written by some invisible spirit hand from the SPIRIT WORLD.

THE
VIBRATION OR THE OSCILLATION METHOD.
EFFECT*.: (a). An ordinary unprepared slate is exhibited.Slate is held by
PERFORMER—behind his back--.Spectator now writes upon the SLATE WHILE
HELD IN PERFORMERS HANDS-- Performer names at once-FIGURE—WORD--OR
MESSAGE--WRITTEN THERE BY SPECTATOR.
EFFECT:- (a). Performer is now BLINDFOLDED—SLATE is held DIRECTLY in
front of performers body,with his outstreched hands holding same.The
SPECTATOR again writes Name or Figure upon the SLATE,and AGAIN THE
PERFORMER ANSWERS CORRECTLY!!!11.
EXPLANATION: SLATE WRITING BY VIBRATION IS NOT A NEW METHOD. But it has
REMARKABLE possibilities in Magic. It is a NEW Field for the magician
to investigate. The "MESSAGE" is conveyed to the Performer thru his own
"NERVE-SYSTEM".In tho "A" EFFECT above,the slate Is held LIGHTLY by the
RIM, with the forefingers and the thumbs.- (Slate behind your back) A little
CONCENTRATION as the Spectator is writing his or her word or number will,
convey-by-vibration-the MESSAGE .to you. The following "test"uethod is
very helpful to the NOVICE at the start.Procure a sheet of sand-paper
about 10 X 13 Inches.Glue this to a piece of Strawboard the same size.
Place this SAND-SLATE behind your back,holding it lightly with the
forefingers and the thumbs of each hand. Have your Assistant write upon
this SAND SLATE with chalk. Start with single letters and figures first.
One,Two,Three!!etc.You will feel this VIBRATION-IMPRESSION very easily.
The Chalk will "pull" when writing upon this rough surface. Go into the
simple names next,i.e.,ANN or DON or BILL etc. After you find you "get"
these VIBRATIONS return to the single unprepared slate. You will now
find that while the VIBRATIONS are less pronounced,they are still"STRONG"
enough to catch. Tho Writer who has spent odd moments testing these
methods is now able TO DETECT PENCIL WRITING upon an ordinary calling
card hold BEHIND HIS BACK. PRACTICE plus a little SHOWMANSHIP makes these
tests appear to be nothing short of a MIRICALS.
 lTHE~STNGLE~ SLATE“ TES T S',

The use of a single slate for tests is very popular with many of
the Performers at the present time.The Single--Slate type of work has
many advantages over the"two slate"and the "pile" slate methods. First,,
from an Audiences viewpoint single slate tests seen to be devoid of the
"trickery" of the other methods.We present to the Student three such tes;
that we feel he might welcome at this time.
THE PENETRATION TEST!
EFFECT: Performer shows an ordinary Slate that is duly examined and
washed by a Spectator.A short word or a figure is now written upon one
side of the slate.The word or figure is now ERASED with a cloth,and the
SLATE IS TURNED OVER.UPON THE OTHER SIDE IS FOUND THE IDENTICAL WORD
OR FIGURE—PERFORMER APPARENTLY RUBBING IT RIGHT THRU THE SLATE.
SECRET:
Like most of those effects the secret itself is very simple.
The Slate itself,is due for some minor preparation.An ordinary 5^ slate
is paintd with one coat of black lacquer,The slate is coated with this
care being used to keep it off of the rims. This lacquer-coating has
but one function to perform.lt rendersERASURE almost instantaneous.
You will find that Chalk marks seem to "slide" right off at the touch
of your finger. NOW—get some J and J CORN PLASTERS (Flesh-color) at
your local drug store. Get the OVAL SHAPE*These are little pads with a
hole thru the center of them.One side of these little cotton pads has
an adhesive surface.Moisten the adhesive side and place the pad upon the
ball of your thumb.Insert into the center hole a piece of chalk about
one quarter inch in height.This flesh colored pad will not be perceptible
at close range.You are now ready for the test.After the slate has been
passed for examination and returned to you,write a word or a number on it
While in the act of ERASURE of this word,place the slate in a
horizontal position one end pressed against the stomach.SLOWLY ERASE THE
WORD WITH THE CLOTH HELD IN THE RIGHT HAND.and at the same time--REWRITE
IT WITH THE BALL OF THE THUMB OF THE LEFT HAND (which has the chalk­
holding pad stuck to it) TURN THE SLATE OVER and show THE FIGURE HAS
BEEN RUBBED RIGHT THRU!!!

THE SELF ANSWERING SLATE TEST.

EFFECT:
Performer writes a question upon a single slate.Question is now
erased with a cloth. PRESTO! An answer APPEARS ON THIS SLATE WHERE A
MOMENT BEFORE WAS THE QUESTION!
METHOD: The answer is written upon the slate with "Stearin" This will
not be VISIBLE. The Question is written on the Slate with Soft White
Chalk., Hard "Dustless" type will not due.The Act of erasing the Question
with a dry cloth or sponge,brings out the answer. The SOFT CHALK leaves
a deposit of WHITE CHALK DUST ON THE "STEARIN"ANSWER ALREADY THERE.-
-5RHRRHRR5- -vR/RS- * ■»
 ~THE"T7/0~SHAT5~TESTr

This Is another simple and effective method of obtaining "A Spirit

Message" without the use of "Flaps". This method may also be used dir­
ectly after performing the SLATE MANIPULATION described elsewhere in
this Manuscript.The marking of the cross-marks or X's in this method
is very bewildering if done directly after the above mentioned Manip­
ulation.
EFFECT.
Performer exhibits two slates set together,one slightly larger
than the other.Six by Nine inch and Ten by Thirteen inch slates are
a good size to use. Performer now proceeds to mark an "X" or cross
upon the OUTSIDE of these Slates. He then OPENS the Slates BOOK-FASHION
and shows the INSIDE to be BLANK.He agaih puts the Slates together,
(Blank sides outwards) and marks the outward sides with an "X" or cross.
Now,(APPARENTLY) your Audience saw all four sides of the Slates marked,
yet—upon opening the Slates,A SPIRIT MESSAGE IS FOUND WRITTEN UPON THE
INSIDE OF THE SMALLER SLATE-—REPLACING THE "X" MARK ORIGINALLY THERE.

METHOD OF WORKING:

The message is written upon the inside of the small slate.Slates

are placed together—(small slate on top-message side -inside) and
slates are placed upon Performers table* Performer now picks up the
slates,and MARKS the TOP slate--(small one)with a chalk mark cross.
He now turns the slates OVER and makes another "X" upon the LARGE SLATE
now on the TOP. While his RIGHT HAND is marking this "X" upon the large
slate now on the top—HIS LEFT FINGERS ERASE THE LIGHTLY, DRAWN "X" that
is on the smaller slate UNDERNEATH. The Chalk Writing will ERASE very
easily if the small slate is painted with LACQUER as decribed in the
SINGLE SLATE TRICK explanation elsewhere in this Manuscript. Performer
now remarks that he will show the INSIDES of the TWO SLATES also.
As he says this,the Performer takes one slate in each hand(the
LARGE ONE STILL COVERING THE SMALL ONE)--and --UNDER-COVER--of the large
Slate—Perfornera LEFT HAND gives the small slate a "HALF TURN"and then
opens both slates up again "book-fashion".This "half-turn" throws the
message writing out of sight.The Audience now SEE the side of the small
slate you had marked but a moment ago,with an "X"—and had erased away
under the cover of the large slate as described above. The small slate
(Blank side facing your Audience)is now laid upon the larger one,the
blank side of which now FACES OUT or DOWNWARDS.Both Slates are again
marked upon the now exposed blank sides with an "X".
The Message is now upon the INSIDE again,and may be revealed by
the Performer at the proper tine.
***********

' COPYRIGHT. 1930.

ALMAa CONJURINGJ COLLECTION'

“a i vicuna