Help us get to over 8,748 articles in 2024.

If you know of a magician not listed in MagicPedia, start a New Biography for them. Contact us at magicpediahelp@gmail.com

Skull of Balsamo

From Magicpedia, the free online encyclopedia for magicians by magicians.
Revision as of 17:34, 5 June 2009 by Philippe billot (Talk | contribs) (References)

Jump to: navigation, search

Skull of Balsamo (or Balsamo, The Living Skill) was an illusion created by Joseffy.

The skull made of copper and decorated in a natural manner had real human teeth are set in sockets with a lace collar around it's neck. It would sit on a glass table and four spectators would be allowed to hold the cords supporting it. Its lower jaw could move and answer questions by clicking its teeth. The skull could also turn on its neck to appear to look around. When performed in a parlor, Joseffy would place it on any piece of furniture.

With no apparent outside connections, the skull would carry on a conversation by clicking its teeth the required number of times when asked a question.

Joseffy would introduce it by describing the dungeons of the Holy Inquisition and Monsieur le Comte de Cagliostro (Joseph Balsamo). While he was doing this, the skull would turn around on its neck and look about the room.

He would permit spectators to choose cards, to write figures on a small blackboard, etc., and the skull would tell by the clicks of its teeth the correct card or figure. The skull would also add, tell the time of day and frequently turn to look indicated individuals.

Joseffy had always refused to sell the illusion.

References