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THE STORY
Part I
In the early part of the Twentieth
Century (or, to be more definite, in 1910) when the educational world was
challenged to unravel the mysteries of what is known as Magic or Black Art, the
faculty of Heidelberg University became greatly interested in the subject, and
much discussion followed among the learned men as to the utility of
investigating such a subject.
Some claimed that in view of the fact
that a thorough investigation would necessitate a continued residence of
experts in a foreign country, whose time and energies at home could be given to
more practical problems, and therefore, of greater benefit to man; that,
therefore, they would not entertain the idea of an investigation of this sort.
Others thought that even though they had means to squander in such a frivolous
research, the game would be found to be not worth the candle.
Herman von Scholtz, Professor of Science,
was favorably disposed toward the investigation, he thought they would be amply
repaid by adding to the store of scientific knowledge, either from the
discovery of new facts, or by the revealing with certainty the trickeries of
the art, or by proving or disproving certain psychological theories he had in
mind, which theories would account for the abnormal phenomena revealed or
seemingly revealed by the Magician. Also, that in view of his interest in the
subject, he was willing to exile himself in the wilds of India, if the
Directors would bear but half the expense until he should be able to
scientifically account for the Magician's art.
With such enthusiasm shown by one of
their ablest scientists, the Regents lost no time in electing Doctor von
Scholtz to represent the University in the investigation of the Art of India's
Magicians.
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