Thought Rays

Effect

In this very effective mystery simplicity reigns supreme. A slate and a piece of chalk are given to a spectator who faces the audience. The performer is isolated in any fair manner, prefer ably by turning his back and standing in a far corner. The spectator is requested to think of a word or name and write it on the slate.

Secondly he is asked to think of a number and to write that also. Finally he thinks of some geometrical design and draws that, as well. Everything he has put on the slate he now shows to the audience. The performer directs everything from where he is located, and makes it very obvious that it is impossible for him to receive any clue as to what had been written. Once everyone has seen what the assistant has written and drawn, he is asked to erase it, lay it on the table and resume his seat.

The performer picks up the slate and the chalk and, standing facing the audience, asks everyone to concentrate on the word that was written. Then he writes something on the slate. Anyone now calls the word on which they have all been concentrating, and the performer turns his slate around and shows that he has actually written that very same word.

Erasing this, they are all asked to concentrate on the number while the performer again writes. Someone else names the number, the performer turns his slate and he is right a second time. The number is erased and, while all think of the picture, the performer succeeds induplicating it! The effect is presented simply as a case of “thought rays” emanating from a large group all thinking of the same subject.