This little feat of
magic is simple to perform, yet it is actually somewhat impressive. By rubbing
thumb and
forefinger tips together, the
conjurer is able to
manifest a plume of
bluish smoke. The effect can last for a
minute, and there is no apparent source of
combustion. The preparation for this trick is utter simplicty, and the required materials are available almost
everywhere.
Reagents:
Preparation and execution:
- The heart of this trick is the striking-strip on the matchbook. Isolate it as well as you can.
- Curl the strip into a little spiral, place it on the coin, and ignite it.
- When the strip has been completely burned, blow the ash away. The coin should now have a dark residue on its face.
- Dip the tip of your index finger into this substance, and rub it between your fingers.
- Say "Presto!"