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

Chapter 29: CHAP. XX.

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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. XX.

An artificial Spider, which moves by Electricity.

Take a bit of burnt cork, as big as a pea; give it the shape of a spider; make its legs with threads of hemp; put a grain of lead in the cork to give it some weight; then hang this artificial spider by a bit of grey sewing silk (that is not twisted) between two bodies, the one electrified and the other not; or between two bodies endowed with different electricities: it will go and come between these two bodies, and the movement of the legs will be seen as plain as if it were a living spider.

This artificial spider, if well made, will astonish those who see it move so naturally.