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

Chapter 6: CHAP. III.

Open in WeRead

Explore more books like this:

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. III.

A Method of drawing a deformed Figure, which will appear well proportioned from a certain Point of View.

Draw any thing you may fancy on a thin white pasteboard; then prick it; afterwards put the same on an horizontal surface, which we will suppose to be another pasteboard. Put a lighted candle behind that drawing, and draw on the horizontal surface the lines given by the light: this will give a deformed design. This being done, take away the drawing that was pricked and the candle; then place your eye where the light was, and you will see your drawing assume a regular form.