A device to multiply one face, and make it seem to be a hundred or a thousand.
This feat must be performed by a looking-glass made on purpose, the figure whereof I have fully described, with the manner of making it, which is this; first make a hoop, or phillet of wood, horn, or such like, about the width of a half crown piece in the circumference; the thickness of this hoop, or phillet, let it be about a quarter of an inch; in the middle of this hoop fasten a bottom of wood or brass, and bore in a decent order, divers small holes, about the bigness of small pease, then open the one side of this bottom, set in a piece of crystal-glass, and fasten it in the hoop close to the bottom, then take a quantity of quick-silver, and put so much into the hoop as will cover the bottom; then let into the hoop another piece of chrystal-glass fitted thereto and cement the sides, that the quick-silver may not run out, and it is done; the figure whereof I have before set. A. presenteth the one side that giveth the form of one face to the beholders? B the other side that multiplieth the beholder’s face so oft as there are holes in the middle bottom. The use whereof I shall not insist upon, since he that is versed in the former feats will better conceive of himself to use it, than my words can either direct or assist him.