A Complete “Silent Thought Transmission” Act

No originality is claimed for the separate components of this startling performance, but the arrangement is original and all that could be desired. We will describe it as a complete performance, but it might better be presented in parts that appeal to the individual reader and arranged in a smooth running performance.

When having several cards drawn have each spectator keep a written note, for the cards are apt to be forgotten. One, or two at the most, card tests are enough for any performance. There is no verbal code, and every test is simple to learn although a certain amount of rehearsal is necessary. I have used every test explained with fine results, and the information is conveyed to the medium in so many different ways as to make detection impossible.

Effect

The performer announces a few tests of telepathy and steps into audience with a pack of cards on a napkin-covered tray. Anyone cuts and deals 25 onto the tray and the performer pockets the rest. The tray is carried along and five spectators each select a card. The last selector takes the pack and shuffles back his card, handing it to one of the others who does likewise until all cards have been shuffled by the spectators themselves.

The tray is handed off to assistant (later the medium ) who gives the performer a pack of envelopes and pencils. Each envelope contains a slip of paper and these are distributed with the pencils. The shuffled cards are handed to a spectator, who is requested to take them up to the platform and spread them out in five rows of five cards each along five cleats which are attached to a sort of drawing board standing on a chair seat to right of the audience.

The persons having envelopes are all asked to write the name of some living person except one, who is to write the name of someone deceased. A volunteer collects the sealed slips in a borrowed hat and holds it till later. The medium is now introduced and blindfolded. At the center of the platform, well forward, is a blackboard, and to its right, but a foot farther back, stands a small plain table on which various articles lay, as will be described later.

A committee of two leads the medium from the room to prevent communication. When she has left, the performer brings forward a slate and chalk. Three spectators each write a three digit number, and a fourth initials the slate.

Without exchange, it is placed number side down on the table, and a glass with several pieces of colored chalk is brought forward. A color is chosen, the glass put back and a deck of cards is then produced. It is cut in half and the halves fanned before the spectators. A card is selected mentally from each half and their names are whispered to the performer.

A spectator advances to the table and throws two dice. They are covered with a cup where they fall. Six half-dollars are borrowed, carried to theta ble by a spectator and placed in ast ack with dates down. The performer's watch is then set at any hour and minute and placed face down with the rest of the articles. A matchbox, or cigarette case, is borrowed and the number of its contents is noted. It is placed on the table.

The performer now gives a resume of what has happened, and states that to start, he will have to perform a test or two with the medium in order that she will become 'attuned.' A trusted person goes after the medium and the committee. She is led to the blackboard and given a piece of chalk. The committee surrounds her.

The performer shows a deck to be well mixed and has one selected, well back in the audience. The selector, himself, asks the medium to name it, whereupon she instantly draws its likeness on the blackboard. Borrowing a half-dollar, the performer passes it to another who asks the medium for the date and what he has. The medium draws a half dollar and dates it correctly.

From now on the performer says nothing. The medium divines everything that has taken place during her absence. When adding numbers on slate, the medium asks a committeeman to hold the glass of colored chalks near her. She picks out the chosen color and writes the total of the numbers on the back of the slate. She then locates and names the five cards chosen at the start, which are displayed with backs out on the board.

Finally the person with the envelopes in the hat is asked to step forward and stand at the medium's left. With chalk in right hand she reaches into the hat, withdraws an envelope and throws it aside. This is repeated several times until finally she grows tense and instantly writes a name on the blackboard. The committee opens the envelope and the writer acknowledges it as the dead name. This makes a perfect climax to the act.