Research source

I quote by permission from a letter written me by Mr. Davis under date of June 22, 1923

Date of account: Published 1924
Source: A Magician Among the Spirits
Reference: A Magician Among the Spirits · selected passage 110
Rights: public_domain
Language: English
Record updated: 2026-08-24

Record summary

A very thin slab of slate called the “flap” is arranged to fit snugly over the real slate when the frame ends are in place but drops out as soon as they are released and drawn out

Published source text

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Source passage

Source text · mention only

A very thin slab of slate called the “flap” is arranged to fit snugly over the real slate when the frame ends are in place but drops out as soon as they are released and drawn out. In working these slates the medium writes a message on the inside of one of them, say the left, and also on one side of the flap. The end of the slate with the message is then drawn out and the flap inserted, message side down, and the frame fastened back in place. A secret mark on the outside of the frame shows which slate is written upon. The slates can then be shown and will appear clean on all four sides, and it is possible to either seal or lock them without interfering with the success of the demonstration. They are then placed on the table with the fake ends nearest the medium and while he leans on their ends with half-folded arms, engaging the sitter in conversation, he at the same time with the fingers of his concealed hand pulls out the frame ends, allowing the flap to fall from one slate to the other, and then secures it in place by putting the ends back.

Historical context

Contextual commentary · mention only

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Modern context

Contextual commentary · mention only

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