MANUEL COMPLET DE SORCIERS, ou La Magie Blanche Devoilee par les decouvertes de la chimie, de la physique et de la mecanique. . . Precede d'une Notice Historique sur les Sciences Ocultes par M. Julia de Fontenelle.
Edition: Nouvelle edition, revue, corrigee and augmentee et orne des figures.
Paris: La Librarie Encyclopedique de Roret, 1853. Hardcover - The subtitle continues "contenant un grand nombre de tours empruntes a la science de l'electricite, du calorique, de la lumiere, de l'air, ainsi qu'aux nombres, aux cartes, l'escamotage, etc. Et la description de scenes de ventriloquie executees et communiquees." En francais (text entirely in French.) While this is a small volume measuring just 15 cm tall by 9 cm wide, it is encyclopedic in its contents, with information on how to create special effects, to determine the age of women, on card tricks and oracles, on vampires and ventriloquists. Comte performed before three French kings and is credited with being the first magician to pull a rabbit out of a hat in a public perfomance. Three multi-panel folded plates at rear. Opposite the title page is a notice - "avis" - which states that since book is subject to imitations and counterfeits, this volume is signed by the editor. 426 pp.
Condition: Very good in a contemporary embossed dark green binding with gilt lettering and borders. Marbled endpapers and edges of the text block (wear to ends of spine and corners.)