by the strict integrity of my assistants, most of whom have
been with me for years. Only one man ever betrayed my
confidence, and that only in a minor matter. But then, so
far as I know, I am the only performer who ever pledged
his assistants to secrecy, honor and allegiance under a notarial
oath.


Hone's Table Book, London, 1827, page 315,
gives Richardson's method as follows:


It consisted only in rubbing the hands
and thoroughly washing the mouth, lips,
tongue, teeth and other parts which were
to touch the fire, with pure spirits of
sulphur. This burns and cauterizes the
epidermis or upper skin, till it becomes as
hard and thick as leather, and each time
the experiment is tried it becomes still
easier. But if, after it has been very often
repeated the upper skin should grow so
callous and hard as to become troublesome,
washing the parts affected with very
warm water, or hot wine, will bring away
all the shrivelled or parched epidermis.
The flesh, however, will continue tender
and unfit for such business till it has been
frequently rubbed over with the same
spirit.