Excerpt from Leaves From Conjurers' Scrap Books, or Modern Magicians and Their Works
An important progress in the, development of the art of conjuring was made by Philippe and Torrini. The latter especially possessed such a dexterity in handling cards, and such a boldness of execution, that the audience was involuntarily carried away to admiration without suspicion. His piquet trick stands alone of its kind. Also in other respects he showed admirable boldness. He was an Italian nobleman who had been driven to take the career of a prestidigita teur by adverse circumstances, and once while staying in Rome he was asked to give a performance before the Pope. The day before, he happened to see a very valuable watch in a jeweler's window, and which was said to be the only one in existence like the celebrated watch of Cardinal X. This one had arrived the day before from Paris. After Torrini had ascertained that the Cardinal would be present at his performance, he bought the chronometer for the respectable price of twelve hundred francs, and made the watchmaker promise to keep silent about the matter.
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