The Bust of the Sage
Every person wonders how the sensational decapitation scene is produced.
To all appearance a head is thrust through the neck opening of a guillotine, the knife descends and the head is cut off. However, in order that none of the fair sex may be alarmed, it may be varied as follows:
In a cabinet a mirror is set across, sloping from the top at the back to the front. It reflects the ceiling, which is covered with the same material as that which is seen of the floor in front of the mirror. In the center of the glass is cut a hole which admits of the passing through of a man’s head. He sits or stands in under the glass at his ease. The front edge of the mirror is concealed by a few astronomical and geographical instruments, old folio books, skulls, etc.
The head and shoulders are made up and draped like one of the seven wise men of Greece, and he answers questions in a grave, portentous voice.