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L MANN \ POST OFFICE BOX 144 • FREEHOLD, NEW JERSEY 07728 it » "'e21Loa rboug-nI "- Re"a·l11g U5

Al Mann - Acidus Plus - A Method for Thought-Reading

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Page 1: Al Mann - Acidus Plus - A Method for Thought-Reading

L MANN i8zc/~ \ POST OFFICE BOX 144 • FREEHOLD, NEW JERSEY 07728

it » "'e21Loa

~Q'" rboug-nI "-Re"a·l11g

U5

Page 2: Al Mann - Acidus Plus - A Method for Thought-Reading

1

~ -POST OFFICE BOX 144 • FREEHOLD, NEW JERSEY 07728

ACIDUS PLUS Copyright 1979 by Al Mann Exclusives

FOREWORD

For years, this author has been in search of some miraculous paper fold for use in billet work so that all the thought-reader had to do was to squeeze it secretly and the paper would turn inside-out and reveal the hidden thought.

A short study was made of Origami, the Japanese paper folding art, with a threat of becoming expert in it in the search for the illusive magical fold.

My correspondant, Millard Longman from Florida made me realize that I already knew this fabulous fold and what's more I had invented it myself and was already in print in my former book 'Acidus.'

All the methods in this book have baffled men­talists everywhere as they looked for the 'dummy' billet that was not there and that necessary 'switch' that was no longer needed.

This book exposes the secret move to the frater­nity. It is very simple, as fabulous magic should be, yet it is most potent.

Use it well and gaurd the secret for it is this type of straight-forward presentation that creates the perfect illusion of the Mindreader's art.

c tt/m/kf f j!tk!kb

Fraternally,

Page 3: Al Mann - Acidus Plus - A Method for Thought-Reading

\L MANN iifd~ (201) 431-2429

1

, -'" POST OFFICE BOX 144 • FREEHOLD, NEW JERSEY 07728

.,.

,

MILLARD LONGMAN

b. 10/6/43 home, Miami Florida. pro~., Electrical

Engineering. Holqs six US patents. Invents medical

instruments •.

Magic. Since childhood. Loves

Psychic Phenomena and Cold Reading . Has studied all

the -isms and -ologies of the art.

Did a silent call and card act. Biggest date.

one week at the Beach Theatre, in Miami Beach.

Millard has changed over to the mental-line of Magic

and now presents an act of ESP.

He is an avid subscriber to AME.

AME salutes Millard Longman and his expert presen-tation of "ACIDUS NOVUS.· .

Millard created the e~fect applying the principles of the original Acidus mns.

Page 4: Al Mann - Acidus Plus - A Method for Thought-Reading

2

POST OFFICE BOX 144 • FREEHOLD, NEW JERSEY 07728

ACIDUS NOVUS by Millard Longman

EFFECTs A spectator is asked to write down his private thoughts on an index card or the magician's business card and then to fold the card twice. Performer then takes the folded card and places it against his temple for just a moment and then passes the stil folded card back to the writer. The performer then proceeds to reveal the thought letter by

PATE.

letter. NOTEs No switching, no dummy

all done openly with the folded in site. Only one folded billet

Sounds great and impossible? great but not impossible.

billets, card always used. It is

Secrets A blank-on-both-sides index card is used, size J by 5 inches.

The card is filled with the spectator's name, birth date, birth signs, or whatever. The line on the lower right of the card is left blank and the spectator is asked to write his 'key' word or name on that line, see Fig. 1

The index card is prefolded before the show. First from right to left as in Fig. 2. This fold is made a bit off-center so that a step is formed on the left side as in Fig. J.

Next the card is folded backwards as in Fig. 4 so that the step on the fold remains on the outside and visible. THIS FOLD IS ALSO OFF-CENTER so that a second step is formed as in Fig. 5. This second step hides the back half of the card.

Presentation and Handlings Performer asks the spectator for his name and birth date and writes same on the card plus any other thing needed to fill up the card. Spectator is then told to think of an important question and write a key word for that question on the line, or the name of a per­son, and then fold the card twice.

Performer takes the folded card with the tips of his left hand fingers (assuming the reader is right handed) and passes it to the tips of his right hand fingers and in the act, the right thumb is slipped into the near-fold of the billet creating a gap. See Fig. 6 on next page.

kA,v\£_--

l<-'---_-

Fig. 1

Fig. :3

o Fig. 4

o Fig. 5

Page 5: Al Mann - Acidus Plus - A Method for Thought-Reading

J

ACIDUS PLUS AN AL Y~NN EXCLUSIVE

ACIDUS NOVUS .•..... cont,

The move is done at waist level. The right hand then holds

the billet in full sight as the body turns a bit to the left and the message is in / position for reading. (Fig. ?~

In r.dllard' s own words, "Watch yourself in a mirror and you will see ~ ~ nothing unusual when you do this Fig. 6 move with the card at waist level."

"A quick glance will let you read the key word. I do it as

I bring the card to my forehead. I press it there with my middle

finger and my hand spread wide. When this is done in one conti­

nuous move, the thumb comes out of the fold automatically."

There it is, gentlemen, simple and sweet. The presentation

is direct, and is the type of effect that will sell the mind­

reader image to the public. Its criteria meets the standards

of "Acidus" which spawned it. That is what we have aimed for.

Millard does an expert presentation of Acidus Novus and uses it in everyone of his shows. So do not be misled by its simplicity, it is a winner.

A DOUBLE-BARREL EFFECT with Acidus Novus is to do it with paper instead of card. Tha t way after the initial thoi.J.F,ht is revealed, performer does the center-tear with the paper and then as an after thought reveals the spec­tator's name!

NOTE, Only one person in the audience knows

Fig. ?

that the key word is written on the bottom line, if he notices

that at alII The rest of the audience are puzzled since they

never see you open the billet.

Here is a full size view of Millards business card which he uses for the test.

~.==========--=~-=~==~----=-------~

7400 Miami Lakes Drive Apartment 310

Miami Lakes, FL 33014

MILLARD LONGMAN

Page 6: Al Mann - Acidus Plus - A Method for Thought-Reading

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(201 ) 431-2429 POST OFFICE BOX 144 • FREEHOLD, NEW JERSeV 07728

Al Mann b. 1/20/24 home, New Jersey, USA

Profession. Mindreader, Author, Lecturer, World traveler.

Retired. Master Mariner.

stage name. Allemann

Member. International Brotherhood of Magicians No. 22524. The World Society for

AL MANN (1959) Psychical Research, No. 2

Knight of the Bluenose. (crossed into the Artic regions on Sept. 21st 1973)

Fernando Magellan Fellowship. (circumnavigated the globe between July 21st, 1971 to November 21st, 1971)

Phoenician Fellowship. (circumnavigated Africa twice in 1971) Walked and venerated on the hallowed grounds of the Buddhists,

Moslems, Christians, Hebrews, Mayas and Egyptians. Walked in the valley of the Kings of the Toltecs.

THE GR~T MOMENT. An ESP show, (1959) for The Lotus Club of New York City. Its honorary members include all the present and past presidents, admirals and generals of the USA. Plus most of the heads of state of 1urope and business tycoons of the world.

A lecture and show at The Magic Castle, Hollywood, 1979.

Arch Mage Ipsissimus, Esoteric Order of Pan. Master of Magic, order of the Silver Key.

K~~P~. of the legendary Locked Books of Magic.

Page 7: Al Mann - Acidus Plus - A Method for Thought-Reading

POST OFFICE BOX 144 • FREEHOLD, NEW JERSEY 077<8

THE AZONIC FORCE by Al Mann

5

./

EFFECT. A spectator is told to write down his secret thoughts on an index card. Spectator may write as many as three different items, a design, a word and a number. Performer takes back the folded card and holds it at his fingertips. He calls attention to that fact and also that the folded card will remain in sight at all times. The folded card is further secured with a paper clip to avoid accidental exposure. Performer then feels the folded card with his finger tips or places it openly to his forehead for just an instant and then crumples the card and throws it aside and proceeds to divine the secret thought by writing it on a slate.

Only one billet is used. No palming or switching or sus­picious moves. The card may be passed out for inspection after the effect is done.

SECRETa A J by 5 inch index card is folded twice as neatly as possible to make a billet li by 2t inches square, Fig. 8. f'

Next, pressure is applied to point "A" A downwards so as to open out the front folded half of the card. This part is pressed to form a crease as shown in Fig. 9. In actual practice this move is made with the right thumb tip. When this section is opened as shown, part of the inside of the card is exposed.

This is the one move that makes the Fig. 8 entire effect possible.

Next, open out the index card fully and it will resemble Fig. 10. The dash lines represent the creases.made by the folds. .

The card is next prepared as in Fig. 11. This is all done before the show.

You will also need some paper clips in the left coat pocket, plus the pens

~ or pencils to be used and chalk and .. slate if desired.

Fig. 9

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ACIDUS PLUS AN AL MANN EXCLUSIVE

THE AZONIC FORCE ••..•.•... cont.

Please note (Fig. 11) that the number chosen by the spectator must be written on the right top half of the card as indicated by the line.

Also the five ESP designs must be inked in by the performer so that the cross is right on the center fold of the card.

An X is marked on the bottom of the card to tell the spectator where to place the word.

THE PRESENTATION, Lecture about demons­trating the art of the thought-reader and ask someone to volunteer for a most unique test. A lady is the best subject.

Ask the lady to secretly draw a circle aroung one of the ESP designs and also to read the instructions on the card.

NOTE that no mention is made about writing in a number or the word. If the spectator follows the instructions she will write in a number and also a word and at the end the audience will be amazed that you were able to also tell what else the spectator is thinking ofl

While the lady is filling in the card, tell the audience that she is secretly drawing a circle around one of the famous ESP designs made famous by Duke University, and what have you.

Instruct the lady to fold the card twice and then take it from her keeping it in sight at all times. Notify the aUdience that the card is folded four ways and that it is impossible for the human eye to pe­netrate the folded card as it is opaque.

Hold the card at the tips of your right hand fingers in the position shown in Fig. 8. As you reach into the coat pocket to get a paper clip, turn the body a bit to the left and reach over with the right thumb tip and open out the card as you call attention to the paper clip and then place the clip on the card and at the same time read the message.

After the message is read, the card is refolded, or crumpled and pocketed, or later given back to the writer.

,,-/

.. -- -"-

I

Fig. 10 "-

Fig.l1

,,-

, /'

'. "-

Page 9: Al Mann - Acidus Plus - A Method for Thought-Reading

ACIDUS PLUS

THE AZONIC FORCE ....•.•• cont.

7 AN AL MANN EXCLUSIVg

As can be seen in Fig. 12, the number is upside down but

since it is only a two-digit number it is easy to read. In the

illustration the spectator circled the circle as the circle

made by the spectator can not be seen. If the cross had been

circled, half of the drawn circle would be visible. The word is always right side up. For the climax, the performer may open out the card to

verify the thPughts and then pass it out to the writer as a

souvineer. It is suggested that the performer crumple the

card up in his closed fist as part of the dramatics and also

to destroy the evidence of the creases.

A LETTER FROM ORVILLE MEYER

March 10, 1979

Dear All

Got your brief letter some days ago and I must

respond with a comment concerning the billet (index card)

fold you showed me. You see, I have been fooling around

with this. You don't need the extra slanted crease. Make just

the first two folds in the original way. Now if you will

hold the folded card in the same manner as you showed me,

and press down with the right thumb on that same upper left

corner, the right part of the card will pop out and unfold

in the correct way. That extra crease develops automatica­

lly. If you want to hand the card back afterwards and think

that that extra crease you've just made might provide a

clue, then just bend the card around some more, here and

there, while you are concentrating, so that the card ends

up with several random creases. Thought you'd like to know about this if you haven't

already run onto it yourself. Best

Orville

The Orville method is a good one. I had tried it before

but was afraid to do it in public. However once the routine

is mastered you will find that all the creases can be done

during presentation and while casually handling the card.

The spectator can be told to fold the card twice, first from

top to bottom, etc. and they will comply with the request.

Another good move is to just tell the spectator to turn

the card over on the table. Performer approaches the table

picks up the card and folds it. The audience gets a glimpse

of a lot of writing on the cardl

Page 10: Al Mann - Acidus Plus - A Method for Thought-Reading

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• ACIDUS PLUS AN AL MANN ~CLUSIVE

'" THE HUGHES MOVE

Bobby Hughes of Columbus Ohio, a close friend of Betty

Nelson and this writer, presents mentalism in some exclusive circles. Last May (79) he gave a show for the Midland Mutual Ins. Co. in which he performed his own version of the Azonic Force.

When Acidus first came out, Bobby mastered it to perfection. Later when he learned of the Azonic Force he applied his own in-sight and came up with the following, keeping the original 'Acidus' principle of having the billet in sight at all times!

The Hughes move is the same as in Fig. 12, except that the hand is held with the finger tips pointing upwards as in Fig. 1).

About 2/)rds of the folded billet is in sight from the back of the hand. The audience can be shown the hand all around as the per­former patters, then with the back of the hand facing the audience the secret move is made,

~ the tip of the right thumb comes up and opens ~ out the billet as in Fig. 14.

You must watch the angles and do a little practice before a mirror. The move is quite easy and can be mastered to perfection.

FROM THE THIRTEEN

Members of the ultra-exclusive magic club of New York City, "The Thirteen," had an entire session devoted to 'Acidus Plus' and the Azonic Force.

A special card was printed and released for this publication. See Fig. 15, next page.

The back of this card, Fig. 16, shows an address

Fig.14

with a special Zip Code. This Zip Code is numbered consecutively from 1 to 5 or 12, depending on the presentaion.

The purpose of the Zip code is to use it in conjunction

with a psychometry effect. While the folded card is held by

the performer, he glimpses the number and can tell what spec­

tator did the writing before the card is opened.

The Zip Code trick, made famous by Larry Becker, is quite

well known and is an excellent idea.

Page 11: Al Mann - Acidus Plus - A Method for Thought-Reading

~ ACIDUS PLUS

FROM THE THIRTEEN .....• cont.

Fig. 15 shows the special card printed and released for this publication by "The Thirteen."

When the 'Azonic'Force' fold is made with this card, as many as four different pieces of in­formation can be glimpse.

On the back of the card is printed the following address I

RESEARCH SOCIETY FOR VALID PARAPSYCHOLOGY 371 Wisconsin Ave. Nltl WASHINGTON, D.C.

2)801

Fig. 16

The above mentioned address ~ must of course be printed with

a different Zip code for as many times as desired;

23801, 2)802, 2)80), etc. for the purpose of the psychome­tric effect.

SHADES OF BeRT R~SS~ by Bob Haines

Performer has spectator write

:

I

\

9

AN AL NillNN cXCLUSIV~

RESEARCH SOCIETY FOR VALID PARAPSYCHOLOGY

CIRCLE ONE: O+~D* DATE OF YOUR BIRTH:

month day TESTER:

DATE OF TEST:

FIELD EVALUATION TEST #3

INSTRUCTIONS

I.ESP SYMBOLS WERE DEVELOPED AS DESIGNS EASY TO VISUALIZE AND TRANSMIT. CIRCLE ONE.

2.PRINT THE MONTH AND DAY OF YOUR BIRTH.

3.PRINT IMPORTANT YEAR IN YOUR LIFE.

4.PRINT NAME IMPORTANT TO YOU.

IMPORTANT YEAR:

IMPORTANT NAME: Fold card in quarters

Fig. 15

several messages on index cards and fold them twice. The folded billets are mixed on the table or in a paper bag. Performer then takes out from his coat pocket a handful of paper clips and throws them on the table. Taking up a billet, performer asks spectator to pick out one of the paper clips and hand it to him. A glimpse of the message is made with the secret move as the spectator gets the paper clip and the performer then secures the folded card with it and tells the spectator to do the same with the rest of the billets.

Performer then proceeds to read the sealed messages, using the one-ahead system!

Page 12: Al Mann - Acidus Plus - A Method for Thought-Reading

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ACIDUS PLUS AN AL MANN EXCLUSIVE

THE AZONIC RENT (2/14/79)

(Columbus, Ohio)

- - - -At---'

The Azonic Rent is a new and very easy version of the center-tear. Only one message is written and the spectator apparently tears the folded paper him­self and burns it. Performer retains nothing but the thoughts.

METHOD I Fig. 17 represents a sheet from a standard scratch pad, 6 by 9 inches overall. The rectangle in dash lines

I B_-:-__ /

in the center of the Fig. represents the area that an index card, J by 5 inches, would cover as in Fig. 10.

The J by 5 rectangle is not on the paper. It is only imaginary for the pur­pose of the illustration.

The other dash lines that criss cross the Fig. represent the folds made on the paper before the show.

Also drawn on the paper are three lines as follwsl

/1 , / 1/ 1

- I'. - -t

" "I C I

- - - ,- - -

Fig. 17

Line II A II i s drawn 2t" from the top of the paper and is one inch long on the right half of the paper. Line B is J inches from the top about 2 inches long. Line "C" is drawn 2i inches from the bottom of the paper and is li inches long.

Fig. 18 shows the paper after it is filled with writting and as the spectator sees it. After the thoughts are filled in and the paper is refolded, performer takes back the billet and patters some mumbo-jumbo and then tears the billet exactly in half once a vertical tear and then a hori­zontal tear, keeping the message piece in front. Some more patter and the performer makes the secret move glimpsing the information Then the pieces are given back to the spectator and is told to tear everything to bits! and burn them.

Here you have done exactly the same thing as in the Azonic Force except that paper is being used and it is tore up before the move is made.

This is a very strong presentation of thought reading. One simple move with the thumb tip and the trick is done. Try itt

Fig. 18

"-

/ /

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ACIDUS PLUS AN AL MANN EXCLUSIVE

THE AZONIC RENT ••.•.•• cont.

If the reader is conversant with giving private readings or doing close-up mentalism, he knows the reaction of the spectator when the folded paper with his message is torn to bits and burned. Usually after the second tear is made, the spectator gives up on the written message. He assumes the paper is to­tally destroyed beyond recovery.

This ~iter was recently visited by some seasoned spiri­tualists for a private reading. When these ladies were told to write down their most important questions, they became sus­

picious and a marked disappointment showed. But they went ahead and wrote out their questions. They have been told that written questions are open to trickery.

I cautioned them not to let me see what is written and then to fold the papers three times (Mental-Ettes). I then reached for the folded billets and they were very reluctent to let go but I told them to keep an eye on the paper, and that I had need of touching the folded paper with my finger tips to get the necessary vibrations. Then I tore up the billet after which the ladies relaxed completely! The pieces of paper were then burned and the reading given. These ladies were totally satisfied and recommended me highly and have come back for repeats.

Mr. C. L. Boarde, the author of Mainly Mental Vols. I and II, and the most knowlegeable person on billet work, confided to me that nothing impresses a spectator more than to tear up and burn his own paper with his message in it. This Mr. Boarde does via the twice-written messages and the center-tear (see Torn Center Deluxe by Anderson in It must Be Mindreading).

The Azonic Rent allows the spectator to tear up his own paper and burn it. Or he can pocket it after tearing it to bits. Yet only once is the message written.

T~e Azonic Force betters the more diffi~ult 'Umbrella Move' cred1t?d to Bert Reese by Dai Vernon. It also makes possible an eaS1er working for Al Baker's "Pellet Reading" from his b?ok 'Mental ~agic.' The folded billet is picked up with the ~1ght hand wh1le the left hand holds the envelope. The billet 1S a~par?ntl¥ placed in the envelope, but is actually held outs1de 1t w1th the left thumb. As the mentalist patters and g?es fo~ the second billet, the left thumb opens out the f1rst b1llet and the mentalist reads it as he places the second billet behind the envelope.

The Azonic Force can do much good in billet work. This book is only an introduction.

May the Force b h you,

Page 14: Al Mann - Acidus Plus - A Method for Thought-Reading

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JST OFFICE BOX 144 • FREEHOLD, NEW JERSEY 07728

ACIDUS PLUS

A Histor:t

The original "Acidus" manuscript was perfected, written and the illustrations drawn in the latter part of 1971, while the author was on a J2-day ocean cruise circumnavigating Africa from Arabia to Italy (via South Africa).

"Acidus" was the result of a long study on billet work"and it evolved from a two-hand billet test. In the former test, the performer held the folded billet on the tips of his fingers with both hands while he gestured, spoke and stared hypnoti­cally at his victim or audience. Behind the cupped hands, the two thumbs worked unseen opening out the palmed billet while the dummy was in full sight. The message was then read and the billet refolded and reswitched and given back to the writer.

A question then arose. "Why" can't this test be done with a single hand?" Experimentation proved that it could be done and "Acidus" was born. It was released in December of 1976.

The Acidus test was perfected and used for years under all conditions. It was used as an openner to prove the art of the thought-reader. 'This one test alone captivated the audience. Phil Goldstein requested a demonstration of the test in one of Larry Weeks one-day conventions in New York. I did it for Phil while he was two feet away. He remarked that it was indeed good. . Rumores trickled into the AME offices from subscribers say-1ng that the Acidus principle had many possiblities.

On Oct. 9th, 1978, Mentalist-Magician Millard Longman from Florida sent in an order for Acidus.

A CASUAL LETTER

Just 21 days later, on Oct. Joth, Millard wrote me an elec­trifying letter. Here is part of the letterl

"Dear All Acidus is beautiful I I have worked out a variation that uses no switch. My handling is still "at the fingertips" and looks like Acidus to the spectator. "

• me. A casual letter with a modest revelation, yet it stunned

Page 15: Al Mann - Acidus Plus - A Method for Thought-Reading

t

1)

ACIDUS PLUS AN AL MANN EXCLUSIVE

A HISTORy •.•.••..• cont.

Bear in mind that all these years, I had basked in the belief that Acidus was perfection unsurpassed. Millard's letter sounded like something from another world.

Oil was burnt that night and sleep lost as I tried to fathom out a method for doing Acidus with just one billet. Thanks to Millard's letter I worked out "The Azonic Force" and mailed it to him asking him if that was his discovery.

To my surpirse he answered telling me that The Azonic Force was good but that he used another method which we have called "Acidus Novus." Now we had two methods, both good.

THE THIRTEEN

On December, 1978, The AME offices were honored by a visit from members of the ultra-exclusive magic club of New York City, "The Thirteen." In the group were Bob Haines, Charlie Reynolds, and Dennis Marks. Carl Herron also called later.

During the gab-fest, the new bilet moves were shown. They became popular instantly but like all new discoveries, the real value was not felt yet.

The potential impact of "The Azonic Force" was not realized until the method was tried under fire.

It was presented for the first time at the Lecture at the Magic Castle in Hollywood on Jan. 14th, 1979. It took its toll amongst the mentalists. Many were amazed to see a new approach to billet work. Emphasis was placed on the fact that only one billet was used. No palming or switching. Everything done open­ly while the folded billet was in full sight.

The test was also presented three times a day for a week at the Parlour of Prestidigitation for the lay audiences.

Meanwhile, the boys of "The Thirteen" were busy evolving new effects for both Acidus Novus and The Azonic Force. They have come up with some amazing ideas, some of which will be offered here.

In a later letter Millard wrote to say, "The quality of your books is unsurpassed. -- I procrastinated for almost an ehtire year before sending my order for Acidus. I was afraid it would be a rip-off. Now I am sold on you and your works."

Many thanks to Millard Longman for the genesis of the idea. Thanks to my very good friends Bobby Huges, Ray Hafler, Orville Meyer, Bob Haines, Charlie Reynolds, Dennis Marks and Carl Herron and Lee Noble for their accolade and encouragement. Thanks to Bascom Jones for his interest.

Page 16: Al Mann - Acidus Plus - A Method for Thought-Reading

14

POST OFFICE BOX 144 • FREEHOLD, NEW JERSEY 07728

1£ Secret of /BOhlJrl crus Copyright by Al ~ann Exclusives

(Alexander Abonutichus of Paphlagonia, became famous for his gift of reading sealed messages in the 2nd c en tury A. D. )

~FFECTI A spectator secretly writes a message on an index card and folds it twice. He next seals the folded card in an envelope. The mentalist takes the sealed envelope and divines the tought and then tears up the sealed envelope to bits and burns it or gives it back to the writer to hold.

THE SECRET, The technique that follows will seem very trivial to the reader who will no doubt wonder what all the fuss is about.

The fact is that this writer has been in search of this method for decades. as stated in Kental-Ettes. The solution came to light on 6/30/80.

The original idea (as shown in Mental-£ttes) was to simply steal the quarter of the envelope that contained the folded center of the billet after tearing the sealed envelope to bits.

In the Secret of Abonutichus. the performer returns all the torn pieces to the spectator. The performer glimpses the message in the act of tearing up the sealed envelope, so there is no need to sneak a glimpse behind a slate or danger of fum­bling. The performer can devote all his time to the presentatio~!

As stated in the ads, the reader must be acquainted with "Acidus Plus" in order to understand the instructions and work this effect. So I will not reveal the secret of Acidus Plus here.

PRePARATIONS. You will need envelopes that measure inches as shown in Fig. 19.

The only preparation that this envelope has is a it inch slit on the bottom edge as shown by the arrows. This slit should be done with a sharp knife so that it is hardly noticeable. The slit is only a hair longer than half the width of the envelope.

The prepared envelope can be safely given to the spe:~ator as there is no reason to suspect it.

The index cards used should measure 4 by 6 inches. After the technique is mastered, then almost any size of index card can be used. For the instructions we will use the 4 by 6 in. cards.

2.1. - J. .1 2 Dy '-1'4

'\ l' sli t Fig. 19

Page 17: Al Mann - Acidus Plus - A Method for Thought-Reading

ACIDUS PLUS

15 AN AL MANN EXCLUSIVE

THe SECRET OF ABONUTICHUS

Let Fig. 20 represent a 4 by 6 inch index card. A line is drawn about 1! inches from the bottom. Another line may be also drawn 1t from the top as in Fig. 11 of Acidus Plus. This second line is mentioned here in case the performer wishes to deal with more than one piece of in­formation.

If the performer wishes. he

cont.

B Fig. 20

may prefold the card as shown in Fig. 20. A. Band C. Some subscribers have stated that they do not need to prefold the card. in which case the spectator may be allowed to fold the card as shown in Fig. 20.

But if the reader wishes, he can prefold the card together with the special crease as shown in Figs. 9 and 10 of AP. The card shown in Fig. 20A must next be filled with the message as per Fig. 11.

After the spectator writes his thoughts on the card, he is given the envelope to seal it in after folding it. The performer must make sure that the card is placed into the envelope as shown in Fig. 21, with the folded center at the lower left as seen by the per­former. The envelope is placed in front of the spec­tator as shown in Fig. 19, and the flap is opened out towards the spectator and he is told to insert the folded card into it and seal it!

Performer now takes the sealed envelope so that the top of the envelope is to his left as shown in Fig. 22 and after saying that he already knows the secret thought, he tears the envelope in half as shown by the dash lines.

,0 Fe '7

Fig. 21

tear

Fig. 22

Fig. 22. The bottom right half is next placed over the top left as shown in Fig. 2;. Performer next turns the en­velopes so that the slit is on his ld~==:::r-~ sli t 1'''''''''er right hand corner. This is shown in Fig. 24. Another tear is now done do~~ 'the middle and again the right quarter in the right hand which contains the slit is placed over the left quarter, as shown in Fig. 25.

, You are now holding all the pieces in your right hand and ready for the 'read. '

tear I

Fig. 24

Fig. 23

slit

tJ~)

Fig. 25

Page 18: Al Mann - Acidus Plus - A Method for Thought-Reading

16

ACIDUS PLUS AN AL MANN EXCLUSIVE

THE SECRET OF ABONUTICHUS cont.

Dormot try to open out the fold right away but patter a bit until you are sure it will open easily. Due to the slit, the top fold of the envelope is now loose and can be moved aside easily.

If there is any trouble and the card will not open out as shown in Fig. 12, the pieces may be transfered to the left hand OR the pieces may be held with both hands so that the left thumb can assist in opening out the billet. The important thing is to be sure that the pieces appear to be in sight at all times.

Usually it is quite easy to open out the center piece. The key here is to avoid holding the pieces too tightly. If the pieces are held loosely, the center piece will relax and almost open itself out.

Do not undersell this technique. It is very strong. Once you make the first tear before the eyes of the spectator, he will usually give up on the sealed envelope. Subsequent tears will only deepen the mystery.

At the end it is a good thing to give the pieces to the spec­tator and tell him to tear them up some more.

PLEASE NOTE, Performer must make sure that the card is folded correctly. Please refer to Fig. 20 Band C. The card must ne folded first from top to bottom and then from right to left. IF it is folded from bottom to top and then right to left, the message will not show!

It is always better to work with fresh new materials. The envelopes should be new and made of light material so that they will tear easilly.

WITH TWO Sill.LED ENVELOPES I Get the spectator to write his thoughts, fold the card and seal it. Then force a word from a book and tell the spectator to write on a second card and fold it and seal it. Now, the spectator is given the sealed envelope with the word force while the performer takes the other one. Tell the spectator to tear up the envelope while you tear up the other.

This makes the task of 'reading' the thought easier since the spectator is busy tearing his envelope!

. With a little study, the reader may be able to do the same thing with letter size envelopes and a sheet of paper. By secret-1; wetting the right thumb, the paper folds can be pealed do~r to reveal the writing!

Bes t Wishes,

fin tt/t/fz