Nelson's Mind Divination Act By Robert A. Nelson
Here's Nelson's original catalog description:
Here is an act that we sincerely concede as being the best all-around modus operandi ever offered to the profession. The effect is, briefly, as follows: Performer passes out small cards on which spectators are requested to write their questions and sign their full name. This completed, cards are collected by performer, placed in small envelopes and sealed. On returning to stage, the first envelope is placed to the performer's forehead and answered. At the conclusion of the answer, the end is removed and card is withdrawn from envelope, and immediately returned to the original writer, and without any exchange of any kind. In this manner, every question is answered, and in its proper sequence.
Absolutely no apparatus of any description is used (may be worked in a bathing suit). No confederates or assistants need be employed—a strictly one-man feature. No switch, or exchange of questions takes place at any time, and original billets never leave the audience's sight for an instant. No palming (as you have nothing to palm), no sleights or suspicious moves. Your hands never approach your body. No reading "one ahead or one behind" methods, as every question is answered in its proper sequence. No dummy questions or plants. Envelopes are of the ordinary coin envelope variety and perfectly opaque. Cards, envelopes and scissors are the only properties employed during the entire presentation. At the conclusion, you have nothing to "get rid of." All you possess is a pair of scissors and a bewildered audience (and stage crew).
This effect is truly a masterpiece and is most heartily recommended to ANYONE contemplating this line of work. With this routine and instructions as we supply them, you have a complete act suitable for any theatre in the country, or may be used in conjunction with other features. This is a strictly ONE-MAN feature, but assistants may be employed in the actual modus operandi with great success if desired.
Not only is “Mind Divination” one of the greatest stage acts of its kind, but a wonderful, unsurpassed modus operandi for private clairvoyant work. You could not wish for (and receive) a better method of getting the spectator's information for private office work.
“Mind Divination” fills a two-fold purpose, for stage and private. It is THE one great test that convinces—whether presented to a single individual or a thousand spectators. Every stage performer, and every private reader should know and perform “Mind Divination.” Do it anywhere, any time, it will answer a thousand demands. Apparently a “miracle” to those who witness it, as no loop-hole is left open. Here is a principle that is regarded as the “LAST WORD” in the mind-reading business.
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