This is just an automatic copy of Public Domain Review blog.
Source: http://publicdomainreview.org/2012/05/25/scott-joplin/
Source: http://publicdomainreview.org/2012/05/23/turtle-anatomy-1821/
Source: http://publicdomainreview.org/2012/05/22/freedom-highway-1956/
Source: http://publicdomainreview.org/2012/05/17/fortification-theory-1600/
Ex. 1. The Suffocated Victim – This was a favorite illustration of Mr. Love, the polyphonist. A large box or close cupboard is used indiscriminately, as it may be handy. The student will rap or kick the box apparently by accident. The voice will then utter a hoarse and subdued groan, apparently from the box or closet.
Student (pointing to the box with an air of astonishment) : “What is that ?
Voice: I won’t do so any more. I am nearly dead.
Student: Who are you ? How came you there ?
Voice: I only wanted to see what was going on. Let me out, do.
Student: But I don’t know who you are.
Voice: Oh yes, you do.
Student: Who are you ?
Voice: Your old schoolfellow, Tom. You know me.
Student: Why, he’s in Canada.
Voice (sharply): No he aint, he’s here; but be quick.
Student (opening the lid): Perhaps he’s come by the underground railroad ? Hallo !
Voice (not so muffled as described in direction): Now then, give us a hand.
Student (closing the lid or door sharply): No, I won’t.
Voice (as before): Have pity (Tom, or Jack, or Mr_____, as the case may be), or I shall be choked.
Student: I don’t believe you are what you say.
Voice : Why don’t you let me out and see before I am dead ?
Student {opening and shutting the lid or door and varying the voice accordingly): Dead ! not you. When did you leave Canada?
Voice: Last week. Oh ? I am choking.
Student : Shall I let him out ? {opening the door). There’s no one here.
Source: http://publicdomainreview.org/2012/05/16/the-practical-magician-and-ventriloquists-guide-1876/
The following pages are not intended to make the young reader either a cheat or a trickster; there is nothing perhaps so utterly contemptible in every-day life as trickery and deceit, and we would caution our young friends not to cultivate a love of deception, which is only allowable in such feats of amusement, because it is in fact not deception at all, when everybody expects to be puzzled, and is only left to find out the mystery the best way he can.
Source: http://publicdomainreview.org/2012/05/16/how-to-become-a-magician-1882/
Source: http://publicdomainreview.org/2012/05/14/codex-mendoza-1542/
Source: http://publicdomainreview.org/2012/05/12/rip-van-winkle-1896/
Source: http://publicdomainreview.org/2012/05/10/a-floral-fantasy-in-an-old-english-garden-1899/
Source: http://publicdomainreview.org/2012/05/09/guess-the-celeb-behind-the-driving-garb-1906/