I've been trying to find the creator of the ash on arm effect (also called Voodoo ash, and Satan's ashes. It's the effect in which a spectators selected card appears in ash on the magicians arm). I've found that Frank Garcia had it as Satan's Ashes. But then I'm told that John White had it in a book (White's Hocus Pocus published in 1715). So I was wondering if anyone knew exactly where this effect comes from?

The reason I want to know is because I created effect that is similiar (as in the spectators card, or other object is revealed on the magicians arm) and I want to give credit where credit is due. So any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

If it goes back to White's Hocus Pocus, you are safe in saying "the very old ashes on the arm trick."

This effect is indeed old. In the recent issue of Gibeciere, an article on Japanese magic suggests that this trick also existed for centuries in Japan. I admire your desire to give credit, but doubt that you will be able to indentify the originator. Most, if not all, of the tricks documented in "ancient" magic books, did not credit the creator, in part because the creator was unknown, but perhaps more because the "author" wanted to claim credit for himself. There is very little in White's book that was not previously published.

Clay

I wouldn't mind knowing also. But it is pretty old.