author
active 1894-1902 A. Anderson
Best known for lively turn-of-the-century books on chemical and mechanical amusements, this elusive writer turned simple science and hands-on trickery into playful entertainment. Very little biographical information survives, which adds a bit of mystery to the work.
2 Audiobooks
How to Do Mechanical Tricks Containing Complete Instruction for Performing Over Sixty Ingenious Mechanical Tricks
by active 1894-1902 A. Anderson
How to Do Chemical Tricks Containing Over One Hundred Highly Amusing and Instructive Tricks With Chemicals
by active 1894-1902 A. Anderson
About the author
A. Anderson is a little-documented author listed by Project Gutenberg as active from 1894 to 1902. The works currently attributed there are How to Do Chemical Tricks and How to Do Mechanical Tricks, practical, popular-style books built around demonstrations, simple experiments, and entertaining illusions.
These books fit a late Victorian and early Edwardian taste for home experiments and parlor amusement. The writing is direct and instructional, aimed at curious readers who wanted to learn by doing rather than by reading dense theory.
Because reliable biographical sources are scarce, even basic personal details about Anderson remain uncertain. What does come through clearly is the appeal of the books themselves: brisk, practical guides that mix showmanship, curiosity, and everyday science.