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The Old and the New Magic

Chapter 98: II.
By Henry Ridgely Evans
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About This Book

The author surveys the evolution of magical practice from ancient priestcraft to modern stage prestidigitation, combining historical overview with portraits of celebrated figures and charlatans. Essays examine mechanical marvels such as automata and lantern illusions, techniques for producing ghostly phenomena and alleged second-sight, and the transition from occult claims to theatrical demonstration. Interspersed are personal recollections, practical confessions of an amateur conjurer, and reflections on how scientific and cultural changes reshaped performance magic.

II.

TREWEY’S VILLA AT ASNIÉRES SUR SEINE. AU CLAIR DE LA LUNE.

One evening, when strolling along the Boulevard, I saw outside of the Concert des Ambas­sa­deurs, a bill­board, with the fol­low­ing an­nounce­ment: “Le Grand Trewey! Equilibre, Jonglerie, Pres­ti­dig­i­ta­tion.—Le Chapeau Multiforme ou 25 Têtes sous un Chapeau.—Mime.—Musique.—Sil­houettes et Ombres des Mains, etc. Amusements Scien­tifiques et Récréatifs.”