The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1853-03-03
Thus far we have read, but no farther.

PROFESSOR ANDERsoN.-The farther we pro-
gress in calculating the mysteries of nature by the
application of science the more deeply rooted be-
comes the convict on that there is no new thing
under the sun. That the nations of antiquity, who
were most distinguished for their EXPERIENCES in
the occult arts, the Egyptians, Chaldees, &c, and
those of modern days, upon whom, In an especial
manner their mantle seems to have fallen, were
better acquainted than the Hebrews, the Greeks,
or the Romans of DID, or than tine civilized nations
Of modern Europe, with the results of science in
its earlier stages think, cannot admit of doubt
Tonatural causes, set in operation by science, we
owe all that system Of wonders which petrified the
Ancient World; and which in the Middle Ages, OBJ
tanned for it's professors, the reputation of dealing
with the devil, and the honor of being cast into
prison and frequently burnt at the stake Profes-
sor Anderson, on Tuesday night, prefaced his per.
formances, by saying that he, like his ilustrious
predecessors, claimed to deal with demons, and
he named the three most powerful of his familiars
They were, he said, Chemistry, Electricity and
Magnetism; and he said, that by whatever name
they might have been called in other times and by
other Professors, they were the true agents by
whose means most of the wonders of which we read
had been performed. The Professors of the present
day, however, occupy position very different
from the ancient Masters of the Black Art They not
only depended on no supernatural agency, but they
did not even pretend to it. What they did claim
was superior dexterity in applying the discoveries
of science to the production OF phenomena, and
greater skill in battling the enquiries of the curious
to their method OF producing the illusions played
off before an audience, all of which was conscious
that everything presented was illusory.
Mr.. Anderson afterwards proceeded to the exc.
sutton of his feats, all of which were wonderful and
none of which, we believe, were detected, though
at least one gentleman manifested prassspoythy
Curiosity to dive to the bottom. large kettle was
suspended from three poles forming triangle-it
was filed with water, and some alcohol was set ON
fire beneath 1.-THE Professor then put in his hand
and pulled out one after another FIVE or six pigeone.
He afterwards turned up the caldron and it was
found to be empty He here related an anecdote of
1rishman who had attempted to find out his tricks,
when he was exhibiting in Dublin and who main.
tanned with regard to this very feat that the pigeons
becoming hot and thirsty from the action of the
beneath the kettle, drank up the water to ouench
their thirst. Told with the true Hibernian manner
and accent, this anecdote set the house in roar.
Wepass over number of feats, all of which were
performed with astonishing dexteriiy, to come to
what interested us most of all; Mr.. Anderson de.
clared his belief that the Spirit Rsppers, whose
supernatu raj pretsnsions ne denounced as wicked
and detestable beyond all power of speech, Deepen
ded for the regulation of their pretended inter-
course with the World of Spirits, upon precisely
the same means which he was about to employ in
an experiment justthen ready to be tried. 1t con-
sisted in making glass bell, suspended over the
audience about midway from the stage to the en-
trance, and having no apparent connection with
the former, strike as often as he peased-teil the
number of spots on cards, &c. Ii was done, of
course, we presume, by means OF electro magnet
ism and the beauty of it consisted in the success
with which the communication had been conceal.
ed swell" said he. suppose instead OF that bell.
had employed the agency which makes it strike
upon knocker fixed under this table; Is it not evil
dent that would have produced a. many raps as
wanted He admitted that the professors of Spirit
Rapping had manifested the utmost ingenuity in
sencealing their modas opsrandi. so much, indeed
that his own, accustomed ~ he had been to hum.
bug-hsa been severely tssked TO dssec, 1t. Bus