Mind Razor by Bob Cassidy

Bob wrote: "Too many of the secrets of our art have become useless because of widespread exposure in the media. It is only via limited releases that I feel I can contribute to the art while not unwittingly prostituting it."

Since Lybrary purchased the copyrights to this ebook we will honor the limited edition to protect past and future customers.

Effect:

A spectator writes a word, a question, or draws a picture on a card-stock billet. (No impression device is used and the mentalist's back may be turned while the spectator writes her thought.) She drops the billet into an ordinary sugar bowl, or similar container, where the spectator herself burns it. The mentalist already knows her thought, though AT NO TIME HAS HE TOUCHED THE BILLET. (That is correct - after he hands the blank billet to the spectator, he never touches it again.)

The container requires no special preparation. If you are the type who insists that props be examined, the bowl can be inspected forever after you've performed the effect. There is nothing to find. (Like I said, it's just an ordinary sugar bowl! You can probably use the one you have in your kitchen right now - as long as it is completely opaque and your wife doesn't mind.)

The mentalist never peeks into the bowl to glimpse the billet, nor are any reflection principles involved. I seriously doubt that you have seen anything quite like this before. It has been completely inexplicable to those who have witnessed it (including magicians and mentalists), yet you will be amazed at its simplicity. It is pure Cassidy genius.

1st edition 2003; 12 pages.
word count: 4635 which is equivalent to 18 standard pages of text