Convex or concave mirrors distort images in a singular manner, and produce very interesting effects. _Anamorphoses_ constitute particular objects belonging specially to the class of experiments relating to cylindrical mirrors. They are images made according to determined rules, but so distorted that when regarding them fixedly we can only distinguish confused strokes. When they are seen reflected in the curved mirrors, they present, on the contrary, a perfectly regular appearance. Fig. 142 exhibits an Anamorphosis made by a cylindrical mirror. It will be seen that the confused image of the horizontal paper is reflected in the cylindrical mirror, producing the figure of a juggler. It is easy to contrive similar designs one’s-self; and comical mirrors may also be employed which produce particular effects of a no less interesting kind. The next illustration is of a set of figures which in a cylindrical mirror look like the ten of hearts (fig. 143). [Illustration: Fig. 142.—Cylindrical Mirror and Anamorphosis.] [Illustration: Fig. 143.—Anamorphus design for the ten of hearts.] One of the most remarkable applications of mirrors in amusing experiments is undoubtedly that of the severed and _talking head_. A few years back this trick obtained considerable success in Paris and a number of other towns. The spectators beheld a small space set apart, in which was placed a table on three legs; on this table was a human head, placed in cloth on a dish. The head moved its eyes and spoke; it evidently belonged to a man whose body was completely hidden. The spectators thought they saw an empty space beneath the table, but the body of the individual who was really seated there was concealed by two glasses placed at an inclination of 45° to the walls on the right and left. The whole was arranged in such a manner that the reflection of the walls coincided with the visible part of the wall at the back of the room. The three walls were painted in one colour, and a subdued light increased the illusion, the effect of which was remarkable (fig. 144). [Illustration: Fig. 144.—The talking head.]