In the presentation of these entertainments I have given you the idea. I cannot give you the intellect nor the experience. I have told you all I can tell you to a certain limit: beyond that you must learn.

Of course, this book will fall into the hands of many who do not care a rap for the show nor for the profession of stage hypnotism or pub-lic entertaining of any sort. They want to get what there is in it and may be curious to know how these things are produced. If they have labored under the impression that this was going to teach them the science or the art of hypnotism or mind-reading, they have been mistaken. I cannot conscientiously say to a man: "Here is a course of instruction: study it and you will be able to hypnotize and then give your entertainments." Personally instructing him I could tell him these things. There is a vast difference between personal instruction and that contained in a book.

When you purchase this book, I expect that you will be able to perform either hypnotism or mind-reading. If you cannot, then study them before you attempt to go out on the road. I would say that, in the case of he who has just picked up the work himself, about six months' experience in experimenting would be required before an attempt should be made to give an exhibition on the stage. This has nothing to do with mind-reading. One may be adapted to it and pick it up readily while another might not learn it for years. But I referred to hypnotism.

No matter whether you are experienced to some extent or not, take my advice and never give an entertainment until you know your business. Don't be compelled to allow one of your audience to tell you anything about your work!

When you step out upon the stage, be able to address an audience. Then there are hopes of success. Remember all I have said in regard to advance men. You must have a good one - no inexperienced child. And be sure that this good one is not of the kind that will rob you of all you have and then leave you. Have a business head upon your shoulders ; then sign contracts.

But I will pass on now to the last part of this book - the address on hypnotism and useful psychology.