Physical Amusements and Diverting Experiments / Composed and Performed in Different Capitals of Europe, and in London

Chapter 11: CHAP. VIII.

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About This Book

A collection of practical, theatrical experiments and demonstrations designed to amuse and astonish audiences, presenting clear, step-by-step instructions for optical illusions, chemical colour changes, simple mechanical contrivances, engraved relief work, and staged effects involving small animals and household materials. Each chapter explains the method of execution and the observable result, often noting how presentation and concealment enhance surprise. The work aims to enable performers and curious amateurs to reproduce entertaining physical phenomena with modest apparatus, while distinguishing easily executed tricks from those that require greater dexterity, mechanism, or preparation.

CHAP. VIII.

To make a Calve’s Head bellow as if alive, when dressed and served up.

This is effected by a simple and innocent stratagem; it consists in what follows: take a frog that is alive, and put it at the farther end of the calve’s head, under the tongue, which you will let fall over it; taking care not to put the frog there till the calve’s head is going to be served up.

The heat of the tongue will make the frog croak; which sound, coming from the hollow part of the head, will imitate the bellowing of a calf as if it were alive.