Early in the 20th century, the venerable British magician Ellis Stanyon set himself the formidable task of recording "every trick yet published in any book or magical magazine." He called this compendium A Dictionary of Magical Effects, and published it

Here’s a trick that’s easy to do, fun to perform and loved by audiences of all ages. You show two pieces of brightly colored tissue paper. You rip them to shreds. Next, you roll the pieces into a ball and place it into your helper’s hand. After some h