Table Turning/Tipping

In the first place, you must procure "companions in labor whose complaisance never wearies." Almost any body will do if he possess this requisite-- "the fluid power is very general.

The room for operations must have an uneven floor.  This is a delicate attention to the table, Whose feet, we are told, "may require points of support during their elevations." The table may have rollers, but is better without. 

The room should be moderately warm; Summer is the best season of the year for operations.  When you set to work you must be "sanguine of success," or you will "be frozen and will freeze your companions."

You must take the table "gayly and with spirit;" tables we are gravely told, "demand singing At first," and "detest people who are constantly becoming irritated;" if "met by preoccupation they (the tables) are apt to grow sulky." 

There must be no talking or laughing in the room; the witnesses us be serious and silent. 

These conditions fulfilled, let the "ten operators" place themselves in communication by crossing their own thumbs one over another and each little finger over the little finger of  their neighbor on either side. 

Let a foreman be chosen and let him give the word of command to the table. 

begin by commanding it to turn.  Exercise each foot alternately.  If any foot refuses to act, discharge the individual nearest it, and replace him by another. 

"Become animated in difficult moments; loud talking, shouts, and halloos are then of use."

If these rules are carefully followed, it is the opinion of M. de Gasparin that no table Can fail to obey orders, and turn, dance, or rap as circumstances many require.