THE ILLUSIONIST’S ART

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18068, 20 April 1933, Page 5

THE ILLUSIONIST’S ART

DANGERS OF EMULATION FLAMES FROM FINGERS PARIS, Feb. 23. A case which came before the courts here yesterday shows that deep wisdom rather than narrow selfinterest may inspire the traditional unwillingness of conjurers and illusionists to reveal their secrets.

An illusionist who .was performing at a music-hall in Paris some lime ago roused the whole house to enthusiasm by producing flames from liis fingertips. One spectator in particular was so stirred that he besieged the performer in his dressing-room after the show, and by a combination of persistent pleading and pecuniary: persuasion induced him to reveal the secret. Armed with the necessary ingredients, a powder composed, of chlorate of potash and red phosphorus, the amateur illusionist rushed home and hastily summoned his friends to witness his prowess, When they Jmd assembled lie brought out Hie powder and produced flames so rapidly and in such generous measure' that three of his fingers were blown off. The amateur sued tlie illusionist for damages on the ground that he had been given too much of a good thing, and the case cubic before tho court yesterday. The defendant declared that tlie* powder, properly, used, was harmless and generously offered some to the judge, whom he addressed as "old boy/'' to try. After gaziug reflectively at his lingers the judge declined, but gave permission for the powder to be tried in court. The illusionist having produced a fine display of digital fireworks without damage to himself, the court, adjourned for eight days to ponder its decision.