From the INTRODUCTION
The performance of magic works because of "secrets." Magic is traditionally shrouded in mystery. If there were no secrets, magic would consist of someone standing on stage doing a bunch of "dumb things" that everyone knows. There would be no mysteries.
Keeping the secrets of magic to yourself is important if you wish to fool your audience. If the spectators are kept in the dark, they'll be impressed. If you tell them the secrets behind the tricks, you will be that someone standing on stage doing a bunch of "dumb things."
This book was written as a magic book. Please help keep the secrets.
Before you perform any magic tricks successfully, you have to make a few decisions. You have to decide:
• that you want to do the trick
• that you're willing to spend some time learning the trick
• that you're ready to practice the trick until you can perform it well
Practicing the trick is the hardest part, but it is also the most rewarding. Diligent practice will allow you to fool your audience and keep you from worrying, "What do I do next?" while performing the trick.
"As soon as the technical side of the trick is mentioned, the student must turn to the dramatic, which is the most important as far as the effect is concerned." —H. J. Burlingame, 1897
To perform any of the tricks in this book, you should know if the trick you're about to do is based on science or math. If it's based on science, you must know which area of science-physics, chemistry, or physiology.
You must also consider the venue, or the area or place where the performance is to take place. It can be either on stage or close to the spectators.
The tricks in this book are divided into four groups: physics, math, chemistry, and physiology.
Each trick is broken into sections that give information on the effect produced by the trick, the props used, and the routine and method of performing the trick. There is also a follow-up note that further explains the science behind the magic.
These sections are described below.
EFFECT
When we watch a movie or TV show, we get so involved with the action that we forget that we are watching actors. We forget that we are just watching a story. For a while we actually believe that what's happening is real. That's what should happen to your audience, whether it's one person or fifty, when you perform a trick.
The effect is not what actually happens. It's what the audience thinks happens.
ROUTINE
This is the plot of the trick. When performing, you must tell some sort of story. even if it's done silently through pantomime. If the story is interesting, the audience will pay attention and enjoy your performance.
Most of the tricks in this book include a routine.
This makes the mastering of the trick easier for you. A few of the tricks are given without involved routines. They are included so that you can develop a routine of your own.
PROPS
These are the items that you need for the performance. You must prepare the props, learn where they go in your performing area, and get used to handling them in a natural manner. If you don't prepare your props, the trick won't work properly.
Always handle your props with care. If they break, you won't be able to use them again.
Be careful when handling any chemicals. All of the chemicals recommended in this book can be handled safely, but must be treated with respect. Some of them can be dangerous if used in an improper or sloppy way.
METHOD
This is a combination of effect, routine, and props. When these are put together following the instructions in method, you end up with a magical performance.
NOTE
This section gives you a greater understanding of why or how the trick works. Included are some of the "real secrets" of science magic.
