Alan Mays' photos with the keyword: instructions

For more information, see The Ghost Card, or the Skeleton on the Wall (below). For the back of the card, see Whip and Fan Flirtations (below).

A novelty card with instructions for experiencing a ghostly afterimage of a "skeleton on the wall." For a vertical view of the skeleton, see a rotated version of the card (below). The other side contains a list of Whip and Fan Flirtations (below). For other cards that use the afterimage effect, see Hank Keene's Magic Picture and Lasting Impressions . The Ghost Card, or the Skeleton on the Wall Directions . Select a small black spot on a white wall, or white sheet—a spot that you can find again at once; let this spot be in a deep shadow . Then holding the card in the hand gaze intently on the eye of the skeleton, while the light falls brightly on the card. Keep the eyes on this one spot without moving or winking for two minutes; then suddenly look at the spot on the wall for two minutes. Keep the eye very steady in both cases, you will then see distinctly the same skeleton on the wall. For a parlor entertainment this is one of the grandest things ever witnessed.

"Herb Shriner's New Easy Method to Harmonica Playing. Herb Shriner, Hoosier Boy. 35¢." Cover of a 1955 instructional booklet by comedian Herb Shriner (1918-1970).

This "Mule Barometer" joke (sometimes also called a "Burrometer") has a long history and has appeared in many different printed versions (often with a more dramatic condition like "If tail is gone--Tornado" as the punchline). Although it's frequently published as a postcard, this example is actually an advertising card printed for the Central Brass Manufacturing Company, which has been in existence since 1895 and still continues to manufacture brass faucets and fixtures. Today, the Mule Barometer gag regularly reappears as a " weather rock ," which is--as Wikipedia interprets it--"a humor display that pokes fun at the intricate technology used in modern weather forecasts, as well as the fact that their accuracy is less than perfect. A rock is typically hung from a tripod and accompanied by a sign indicating how to read it." -------- Mule Barometer Directions: Hang outside. If tail is dry--Fair. If tail is wet--Rain If tail is swinging--Windy. If tail is wet and swinging--Stormy. If tail is frozen--Cold. Further information upon request. There is no kick coming to those who use the highest grade brass goods for plumbing and water works made by the Central Brass Mfg. Co.

Scary instructions for surviving an atomic bomb blast that were distributed to residents of Lawn , Pennsylvania, in the 1950s. Fire & Air Raid Signals for Lawn and Vicinity Fire: 1 sharp blast for 4 minutes. Air Raid Test Alert: 3 short sharp blasts (not used in case of actual road). Air Raid Alert: 3-minute continuous fluctuating blasts. All Clear: 3 1-minute blasts at 2-minute intervals. 6 Survival Secrets for "A" Bombing 1. Try to get shielded. If you have time, get down in basement or subway. If out-of-doors, seek shelter alongside a building. 2. Drop flat on ground or floor. To keep from being tossed about and to lessen the chance of being struck by falling and flying objects. 3. Bury your face in your arms. To protect your face from flash burns. 4. Don't rush outside after a bombing. Wait at least 1 hour for radiation to die down. 5. Avoid food or water in open containers. To avoid radioactive poisoning, stick to canned or bottled food. 6. Don't start rumors. A single rumor might touch off a panic that could cause human casualties. Compliments of Harold's Insurance Agency. Complete insurance service. Campbelltown, Pa. Harold S. Patrick, agent.

"How to Use Your Atomic Espresso Coffee Maker. British Made." Cover of the instruction booklet for an Atomic coffee machine , which was designed by Giordano Robbiati of Milan, Italy, in 1946. The title of this booklet sounds like a question to me: "How to use your Atomic Espresso Coffee Maker?" My answer would be the same for any kind of atomic device: "Very carefully, of course!"

See also a detail showing a close-up of the flag image (below). Lasting Impressions Stare at this flag, dear friend, Then look away, The image still stands by you. If next Sunday, you'll attend Our Rally Day, Like impressions will then ensue. Directions. Take card in both hands, look steadily at small diamond shaped speck on flag, try not to blink, and count to 40 slow, then look up at sky or a light wall and picture will appear greatly enlarged. Keep looking at one spot for 10 seconds. Result--the actual picture will appear and disappear several times.

See also the full version of this postcard (below). Directions. Take card in both hands, look steadily at small diamond shaped speck on flag, try not to blink, and count to 40 slow, then look up at sky or a light wall and picture will appear greatly enlarged. Keep looking at one spot for 10 seconds. Result--the actual picture will appear and disappear several times.

The Ventrilo-phone Place the instrument in the roof of the mouth, with the scallop side in back, hold it lightly with tongue, and hiss. Keep at it, and it will soon be easy to operate. Do not get discouraged and you will soon be able to imitate all kinds of birds and animal. This is a great help to the ventriloquist when he wishes to give imitations. Three extra Ventrilo-phones by mail for 10 cts.

Despite the impressive illustration, this small Cracker Jack prize, constructed of multi-layered cardboard, required kids to pull the layers apart, push out die-cut pieces, and then stick the pre-gummed areas of the pieces together in order to form a less-than-convincing moustache disguise. Text printed on the back of the kit (the numbers and letters refer to a small accompanying diagram): "Instructions. Back of pieces 1 & 2 are gummed. Push out pieces 1 & 3. Moisten back of end marked A on 1 and stick on end marked A of [on] 3." Todd Franklin (Neato Coolville) also has a copy of this over on Flickr: Cracker Jack Handlebar Mustache Disguise Kit .