The conjurer unmasked being a clear and full explanation of all the surprizing performances exhibited as well in this kingdom as on the continent, by the most eminent and dexterous professors of slight of hand : together with the tricks of the divining rod, automaton chess-player, speaking figure, artificial serpents, mechanical birds, automaton flute player, vaulting figure, magical table, perpetual motion, &c., &c. - Decremps, Henri, 1746-1826 (Victorian popular culture. Spiritualism, sensation and magic., 1788)