306 



SCIENTIFIC AMUSEMENTS. 



but all below the neck, or bosom, or dish (according to the nature 

 of the illusion exhibited) is hidden behind the mirrors; and if 

 these reflect the pattern of the carpet and papering accurately in 

 position, the observer apparently sees the carpet and paper, &c. 

 underneath the head, the reflected images formed in the mirrors of 

 the front corners and junction of carpet and paper, &c., being co- 

 incident in position with what would be the back corners and 

 back wall, &c., of the room, were these not hidden by the mirrors. 

 Thus an observer at D sees the rays emanating from F and I as 

 though these points were situated behind the mirrors at G and K 

 respectively, owing to the reflections at E and H. 



As with Pepper's Ghost, this illusion can be readily arranged at 



Fig. 147. Bodyless Lady. 



home on a small scale (or even on a larger life sized one) with a 

 little care and patience in getting the mirrors and patterned papers, 

 &c., exactly into position. For a miniature representation, the flat 

 plates of silvered glass contained in small framed mirrors or looking- 

 glasses a few inches square will do, but proportionately larger 

 and more expensive mirrors are requisite for life size arrangements. 

 Another way of working the illusion is as follows : 

 A square mirror of suitable size has a portion cut away 

 from its centre large enough to enable the head and neck of 

 the real individual seen to pass through. The plate is then 

 arranged in the cabinet, sloping up backwards at an angle of 

 45 (AB, fig. 147). The head is then passed up through the 



