Sentence:  According to Mr. "Gmelin'''s account, [the Samojede magicians] are tolerable <WSD>jugglers</WSD>. Some have the art of plunging a knife into the body, without making a wound; and apparently wringing off their heads, by fastening a cord round their necks, and suffering two persons to draw it tight, and afterwards setting it on again. But these tricks are seen only among those magicians who require but little art to deceive their countrymen; and, indeed, to speak seriously, such a Siberian <WSD>juggler</WSD>, would cut but a very indifferent figure at a European fair. 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  A person who performs tricks using sleight of hand, a conjurer, prestidigitator.