Scientific Amusement

119 entries in Scientific Amusement
Creators Title Comments & References Year Source Page AA Categories
Henri Decremps Premiere apparence de Mouvement Perpétuel. on a perpetual motion machine, compass needle moves constantly
 		1785 Supplément A La Magie Blanche Dévoillée 143
Henri Decremps Autre apparence de Mouvement Perpétuel. other perpetual motion machine, made from wood
 		1785 Supplément A La Magie Blanche Dévoillée 147
Henri Decremps Machine hydraulique exprimant la circulation du fang dans les veines & les arteres. hydraulic machine to simulate the circulation of the blood in the arteries, variations
 		1785 Supplément A La Magie Blanche Dévoillée 173
Henri Decremps Expériences nouvelles, & divers Tours d'équilibre. balancing different objects apparently impossible equilibrium
 		1785 Supplément A La Magie Blanche Dévoillée 268
Unknown Fontaine de circulation, paradoxe et disgression Liquide experience
 		1786 Testament de Jérôme Sharp 43
H. Röhl Perpetuum-mobile apparent perpetuum mobile construction
 		July 1895 Die Zauberwelt (Vol. 1 No. 7) 104
Unknown Die gehorsamen Streichhölzer matches in water with heads toward center, the move out in star formation
 		Nov. 1896 Die Zauberwelt (Vol. 2 No. 11) 173
Unknown Der optische Farbkreisel optical illusion with half colored spinner
 		Dec. 1896 Die Zauberwelt (Vol. 2 No. 12) 190
Antonio Molini Das furchtsame Streichhölzchen rubber-banded match shoots out when ignited
 		June 1897 Die Zauberwelt (Vol. 3 No. 6) 93
Antonio Molini Der kleine Springinsfeld paper figure on cork on card on top of full glass, suddenly jumps up
 		July 1898 Die Zauberwelt (Vol. 4 No. 7) 109
Unknown Das geheimnisvolle Papierfähnchen No. 12, piece of paper with grain and apple moves by itself, experiment
 		1900 Der Amateurzauberer 162
Unknown Der elektrisierte Spazierstock moving a cane with a paper that has been rubbed and loaded with electricity
Related to Nov. 1900 Die Zauberwelt (Vol. 6 No. 11) 174
Unknown Zum Elektrisierten Spazierstock clarifying illustration for the effect
Related to Feb. 1901 Die Zauberwelt (Vol. 7 No. 2) 30
Unknown Der zerschlagene Stock wooden stick held by two paper rings, stick broken with a hit but paper remains intact
 		Apr. 1901 Die Zauberwelt (Vol. 7 No. 4) 61
Unknown Die frei an der Wand hängende Münze coin sticks to wall, no preparation
 		Aug. 1901 Die Zauberwelt (Vol. 7 No. 8) 127
Unknown Ein Ei je nach Wunsch auf der Oberfläche des Wassers schwimmen oder in dasselbe niedersinken zu lassen egg floats on water surface or sinks down as spectators wish
 		Sep. 1901 Die Zauberwelt (Vol. 7 No. 9) 137
Unknown Das Balancieren eines Eies balancing an egg on its tip, two methods
 		Sep. 1901 Die Zauberwelt (Vol. 7 No. 9) 138
Unknown Das rotierende Ei rotating an egg on a plate
 		Sep. 1901 Die Zauberwelt (Vol. 7 No. 9) 139
Antonio Molini Ein Zündholz mit einem Tropfen Wasser anzuzünden "lighting a match with a drop of water"
 		Oct. 1901 Die Zauberwelt (Vol. 7 No. 10) 159
Unknown Die rastlose Weintraube grape floating up and down in champagne
 		Oct. 1901 Die Zauberwelt (Vol. 7 No. 10) 159
Unknown A Bottle Cannon and Seidlitz Powder non-magical science experiment
 		1902 The Modern Conjurer 290
Unknown Shark in the Fish-pond non-magical science experiment
 		1902 The Modern Conjurer 291
Unknown A Dodge with a Sixpence non-magical science experiment
 		1902 The Modern Conjurer 293
Unknown Experiment with Corks non-magical science experiment
 		1902 The Modern Conjurer 293
Unknown Pins into a Small Glass already Full of Water non-magical science experiment
 		1902 The Modern Conjurer 294
Unknown Magnetised Paper non-magical science experiment
 		1902 The Modern Conjurer 294
Unknown A Simple Coin Trick coin in broken match into bottle, non-magical science experiment
 		1902 The Modern Conjurer 295
Unknown To Pick a Floating Indiarubber Ball up from a Basin of Water with the Mouth non-magical science experiment
 		1902 The Modern Conjurer 295
Unknown The Home-Made Cinematograph non-magical science experiment
 		1902 The Modern Conjurer 296
Unknown An Egg and Bottle Trick non-magical science experiment
Also published here 1902 The Modern Conjurer 297
Unknown Perpetual Motion non-magical science experiment
 		1902 The Modern Conjurer 299
Unknown Atmospheric Pressure liquid remains in glass swung around, non-magical science experiment
 		1902 The Modern Conjurer 301
Unknown A New Umbrella Stand non-magical science experiment
 		1902 The Modern Conjurer 303
Unknown Electricity on the Spot non-magical science experiment
 		1902 The Modern Conjurer 304
Unknown Cardboard Figures Blow Out and Light a Candle non-magical science experiment
 		1902 The Modern Conjurer 306
Unknown Superior to the Spirit Level non-magical science experiment
 		1902 The Modern Conjurer 307
Unknown Objects Suspended Without any Support vacuum, non-magical science experiment
 		1902 The Modern Conjurer 307
Unknown The Burnt Thread non-magical science experiment
 		1902 The Modern Conjurer 310
Unknown To Bore a Hole Through a Coin with a Needle non-magical science experiment
 		1902 The Modern Conjurer 311
Unknown How Water Deceives non-magical science experiment
 		1902 The Modern Conjurer 312
Unknown A Novel Way to Slice a Pear non-magical science experiment
 		1902 The Modern Conjurer 312
Unknown Magnetised Marionettes non-magical science experiment
 		1902 The Modern Conjurer 314
Unknown To Empty a Glassful of Water with a Bottle also Full of Water non-magical science experiment
 		1902 The Modern Conjurer 315
Unknown To Bore a Hole through a Pin with a Needle non-magical science experiment
 		1902 The Modern Conjurer 315
Unknown Egg Spinning non-magical science experiment
Also published here 1902 The Modern Conjurer 316
Unknown To Suspend a Glass Full of Water non-magical science experiment
 		1902 The Modern Conjurer 317
Unknown The Travelling Egg non-magical science experiment
 		1902 The Modern Conjurer 318
Alphonse Wunnenburger Eine elektrische Spielerei paper sticks to hand
 		Mar. 1902 Die Zauberwelt (Vol. 8 No. 3) 45
Carl Willmann Der Radiograph "Ein amerikanisches Wunder", Gee-haw whammy diddle (Hui-Maschine), toy
 		Sep. 1903 Die Zauberwelt (Vol. 9 No. 9) 142
Unknown Joey Hoppensack poses a problem and its answer... string melts into ice cube, physics
 		1941 The Jinx (Issue 138) 784
Martin Gardner Japanese Paper Bird bird fold that flaps its wings, application with flash paper and coin appearing from bird or traveling in bird
Inspired by
  • "Houdini's Paper Magic" (p. 117)
Related to
  • "Scientific Recreations" (Tissandier, 1881, French work)
 1941 After the Dessert 11
Eddie Joseph A Dose for the Smart Guy glass of water under newspaper, paper whipped away, as sucker trick, coins balanced on glass
 		1942 Coin and Money Magic 40
Eddie Joseph The Kick coin stack on table, coin rolls towards it and knocks out selected coin
Related to 1942 Coin and Money Magic 48
Eddie Joseph Perfect Timing two coins on table edge, pushed off table towards floor, one straight down one sharply forward, they hit floor together
 		1942 Coin and Money Magic 85
Eddie Joseph Good Shootin' coin stack on table, coin rolls towards it and knocks out selected coins
Related to 1942 Coin and Money Magic 105
M. T. Coogan A Drop in the Bottle with a bottle, a cigarette and a paper loop
Also published here 1945 The Phoenix 51-100 (Issue 84) 343
Martin Gardner Beery salt spilled in beer rises to top, see also p. 758
 		1949 The Phoenix 151-200 (Issue 188) 754
Ormond McGill The Pendulum: In Performance
  • constructing the pendulum
  • operating the pendulum
  • powers of the pendulum
  • individuality in working with the pendulum
  • experimental evidence with the pendulum
  • and as to miracle
 		1951 Psychic Magic — Vol. 6 24
Unknown Zum Dessert special way to cut a lemon, peel is linked
 		1953 Hokus Pokus (Vol. 14 No. 3) 118
C. James McLemore Stop-Go two balls are tied to two strings and hanging down, they swing back and forth on command
Variations 1954/27 Tarbell Course in Magic — Volume 6 32
Carl "J. N. Teroga" Schnetzer Der magische Propeller Hui-Maschine, propeller on stick turns and changes direction
 		1958 Hokus Pokus (Vol. 19 No. 1) 609
Unknown Whisky-Water Transposition glass with whisky is placed inverted on glass with water, liquids transpose, physics, see p. 94 for more information
 		1962 Malini and His Magic 48
Hans Herrmann Kleinzauberei zum Hausgebrauch
  • Wolken über leeren Tassen (clouds appear in cups)
  • Papier auf eine brennende Kerze zu halten, ohne es zu verbrennen (paper does not burn when held over flame)
Related to 1962 Hokus Pokus (Vol. 23 No. 6) 243
Hans Herrmann Kleinzauberei zum Hausgebrauch
  • Ein Ei auf die Spitze stellen (make an egg stand upright)
  • Ein Ring aus einem Teller mit Wasser nehmen, ohne sich die finger nass zu machen (removing ring from water, without the fingers getting wet)
  • Einen Apfel in vier Teile schneiden, ohne die Schachtel zu beschädigen (cutting apple, sewing method)
  • Ein Geldstück unter einem Hut hervorbringen, ohne den Hut zu berühren (removing a coin from under a hat, without touching the hat)
Related to 1963 Hokus Pokus (Vol. 24 No. 1) 4
Eddie Joseph Indian Rice Stabbing Illusion first one cup of rice fills six cups, then glass jar of rice clings to stick or knife
 		1969 The Art of Eddie Joseph 225
Stewart James, Gene Gray A Match for Gravity watch and match tied to thread, over stick, see p. 337 for reference
 		Apr. 1970 The Pallbearers Review Vol. 5-8 (Vol. 5 No. 6) 330
Patrick Page The Revolving Snake
  • How to Make a Fascinating Novelty
Paper snake on wire is put on lamp and starts to spin as long as the lamp is alight
 		1974 Tricks with Paper 9
Patrick Page An Impromptu Propellor little tray formed from cigarette paper, spins on finger,
 		1974 Tricks with Paper 12
Patrick Page The Balancing Note on the nose and on the finger
 		1974 Tricks with Paper 14
Patrick Page Ping-Pong on the Nose balancing a paper tube on the nose and throwing balls into it
 		1974 Tricks with Paper 15
Unknown Picture Gallery paper can be folded so it shows different pictures
 		1974 Tricks with Paper 41
Unknown Moving Pictures how to make a flick book
 		1974 Tricks with Paper 62
Unknown How to Make a Parachute
1974 Tricks with Handkerchiefs 56
Unknown There She Blows coin spins on glass, stunt
 		1974 Tricks with Coins 23
Karl Fulves Zero Gee Lunaball (scientific toy), light metal sphere with magnetic outer surface, close-up levitation
Related to Jan. 1975 The Pallbearers Review Vol. 9-10 (Vol. 10 No. 3) 841
Joseph Dunninger Trick Sugar sugar cube thrown in bowl of water, it first sinks but then rises back to surface, chemical
 		Mar. 1975 The Pallbearers Review Vol. 9-10 (Vol. 10 No. 5) 869
Newman the Hypnotist Telekinesis construction spins under glass cylinder, physics
Also published here
  • "Telekinesis" (Sphinx, April 1923, Vol. 22 No. 2)
 1975 Mind & Matter 53
Karl Fulves, Martin Gardner Psychic Motors "Curiosities"
piece of paper spins on the tip of a needle
  • Martin Gardner's Method (Scientific American, April 1975)
  • Streamlined Psychic
  • Stop/Reverse
 		1978 The Chronicles (Issue 11) 1168
Karl Fulves Solid Liquid "Curiosities"
seesaw set-up with two filled glasses, ruler and pencil, it swings when water is pushed and thus water is apparently solid, physics
Inspired by
  • Martin Gardner's "Science Puzzlers"
 1978 The Chronicles (Issue 12) 1182
Karl Fulves Einstein Centennial thoughts on various ideas in physics
  • Bang Bang
  • 90% Paradox (Sturgeon's Law)
  • Time Out
 		1979 Interlocutor (Issue 29) 111
Karl Fulves Time Turned Backwards physics musings
 		1979 Interlocutor (Issue 38) 152
Unknown Crash - Diving Submarine raisins in club soda rise up and down, physics
 		1979 Elastrix 38
Unknown The Twirling Cigarette Paper spins on tip of finger, physics
 		1979 Elastrix 38
Unknown The Deceptive Hairpin one or two ends of wire pin put on spectator's arm, he doesn't know if one or two pins without looking, physics
 		1979 Elastrix 39
Unknown The Ghost and the Arrow arrow reverses when viewed through glass of water, physics
 		1979 Elastrix 40
Unknown Fire Power No. 24, compass needle moves, iron in staple in matchbook influences needle
 		1979 Self-Working Mental Magic 36
M. T. Coogan Der Sturz in die Flasche with a bottle, a cigarette and a paper loop
Also published here June 1981 Intermagic (Vol. 8 No. 2) 76
Larry White Ein Stroh-Voller Trick liquid in straw apparently flows upwards
Also published here
  • Genii, Feb. 1978
 Jan. 1983 Intermagic (Vol. 9 No. 4) 137
Unknown Gläser seventeen impromptu magic items and gags with a glass
 		Dec. 1986 Intermagic (Vol. 12 No. 3&4) 122
Unknown Reflexes No. 26, bill dropped through fingers, cannot be caught
 		1989 Self-Working Coin Magic 38
Unknown Metal bending No. 27, coin apparently soft and bent back and forth
 		1989 Self-Working Coin Magic 39
Martin Gardner Rattle Rock Spoon making rattle rock from bowl of plastic spoon, reverses direction when spun on table
 		1991 Cheat Sheet (Issue 7) 69
Karl Fulves Theory Only bet with polarizing light filters
Also published here
  • "The Dancing Wu Li Masters" (G. Zukav, 1979)
 1991 Cheat Sheet (Issue 7) 71
Martin Gardner Blow Up marshmallow grows to twice the size in vacuum and then instantly collapses again
 		1993 Rigmarole (Issue 1) 10
Joseph K. Schmidt Star Burst "four psychic tricks" No. 3
broken toothpicks rearrange themselves into star configuration under paper cover, water makes them unbend, quirting lighter
 		1993 Rigmarole (Issue 3) 30
Martin Gardner Rising Marble marble rises to the top in rice-filled glass
Also published here
  • "Physics Teacher" (Sept. 1994)
 1994 Rigmarole (Issue 10) 115
David Zver Crystal Dust breaking of a Rubert's Pearl / Devil's Teardrop in open hands
 		1994 Syzygy (Vol. 1 No. 6) 25
Unknown The Psychic Pulse strange animation of two toothpicks in the hand
 		1994 Wonderful Routines of Magic — The Second Addendum 159
Karl Fulves Reverso No. 39, numbers, words and designs appear in mirror image through glass of water
 		1995 Easy Magic 56
Martin Gardner Der esoterische Glas-Trick air bubbles in upside down glass filled with water
 		1996 Intermagic (Vol. 20 No. 2) 83
Martin Gardner Pepper presentation for the stunt in which pepper in water rushes to the edge of the glass, soap
 		1997 The Fine Print (Issue 6) 154
Ted Bohmann Gesellschaftsscherze getting smoke out of bottle, two phases
 		1998 Intermagic (Vol. 22 No. 1) 27
Mac King, Mark Levy Too Gross, Too Hard, Too Lame, Too Strong What Mac King and Mark Levy left out of their new book "Tricks With Your Head"
  • Locked Room Mystery
  • The Whisker
  • Let's Play Submarine!
  • Gay Spray
  • Fire and Naked Chicks
 		Apr. 2002 Genii (Vol. 65 No. 4) 70
Unknown Egg Balanced on the Rim of a Bottle non-magical science experiment
Also published here 2002 The Encyclopedia of Egg Magic 97
Unknown Spinning an Egg on a Plate non-magical science experiment
Also published here 2002 The Encyclopedia of Egg Magic 98
Unknown Eggs, Spool, and Glasses - First Method eggs balanced on tubes on tray on top of glasses, tray whipped away
Also published here
  • Howard Thurston, 400 Tricks You Can Do, p. 104
 2002 The Encyclopedia of Egg Magic 99
John Weiss Eggs, Spool, and Glasses - Second Method eggs balanced on tubes on tray on top of glasses, tray whipped away
Also published here
  • "Eggs, Tray and Glasses" (The Linking Ring, Vol. 34 No. 11, Jan. 1955, p. 73)
 2002 The Encyclopedia of Egg Magic 99
Unknown Eggs, Spool, and Glasses - Third Method eggs balanced on tubes on tray on top of glasses, tray whipped away, two layers
Also published here
  • Jean Hugard, Hugard's Annual of Magic 1937, p. 75
 2002 The Encyclopedia of Egg Magic 101
Hubert Lambert Meet the Odd Ovum egg sucked into bottle
Also published here
  • The Gen, Vol. 15 No. 11, Mar. I960, p. 270
 2002 The Encyclopedia of Egg Magic 249
Unknown The Crush-proof Egg egg cannot be crushed between hands
Also published here
  • Martin Gardner in Hugard's Magic Monthly, Vol. X No. 3, Aug. 1952, p. 975
 2002 The Encyclopedia of Egg Magic 254
Karl Fulves Crushed filling plastic bottle with hot water, emptying it and capping it, it deforms, variation with special brand
 		2005 Latter Day Secrets (Issue 10) 398
Barrie Richardson Letting Go! presentation for James's effect, mug tied on a string is dropped, but the string loops around a pencil just before object fall on floor
Inspired by 2005 Act Two 175
Barrie Richardson The Astonishing Rice Jar Suspension filled glass jar of rice clings to knife
Also published here
  • Concepts & Deceptions Lecture Notes, 1999
 2005 Act Two 196
Michael Powers Science Friction straw balanced on saltshaker, straw moves and is animated, static electricity
Related to 2006 Power Plays 229
Stewart James A Match for Gravity Bar bet, looping pendulum, heavy expensive object tied on a string is dropped, but the string loops around a pencil just before object fall on floor
VariationsAlso published here
  • Linking Ring, Sep 1926
 2007 The Essential Stewart James 5
Robert E. Neale See it Slant optical illusion with slant tower of Pisa on two cards
  • Handling on the Table
  • Handling in the Air
 		Feb. 2011 Genii (Vol. 74 No. 2) 23
Jim Steinmeyer A Hole in Your Head
  • Conjuring
hole in hand optical illusion with tube, then ribbon penetrates hand visually
Inspired by
  • "The Penetrating Ribbon" (Gordon Howatt, The Restless Spook, 1940s)
 Dec. 2014 Genii (Vol. 77 No. 12) 34
Emil Jarrow Match under Glass Bet paper match balances on a coin on edge under a glass, bet about removing the match, comb with static electricity
Also published here
  • The Sphinx, Vol. 50 No. 5, Sep. 1951
 Mar. 2016 Genii (Vol. 79 No. 3) 66
Allan Zola Kronzek Creepy Crawly crumpled straw wrapper moves
Also published here
  • "Grandpa Magic"
 Dec. 2018 Genii (Vol. 81 No. 12) 97