Nouveau manuel de magie naturelle et amusante

Paris: Roret, 1839. 3 folding engraved plates. Contemporary green sheep-backed marbled boards, edges sprinkled red. Some foxing, but a good copy in original condition. Only French edition of this scientific exposé of magic, illusion, and automata. The author, a Scottish scientist, asserts that governing bodies have long used “magic” to establish authority over an ignorant populace, and his book provides protective elucidation on their methods. He discusses the physiological mechanics of optical illusions, spectral visions made with lenses and mirrors, creating auditory illusions that harness vibrations in the air, automata employed by ancient rulers, fire control, and even alchemy. Throughout the text, Brewster provides anecdotal evidence for his scientific analyses. The folding plates feature 78 vignettes that illustrate the principles contained in the book.
This book was published as part of a lengthy series of French encyclopedias and manuals called Manuels-Roret by Nicolas-Edme Roret (1797-1860).
Price, Psychical Research 117; Clark, Conjuring 14.