The product being sold here - usual in the Harlan-Tarbell Lessons series - is
knowledge/information/understanding of the 'how to' variety.
'How to ' MAKE, in the sense
of how to fabricate, construct, use measurements, glues, epoxy, thread, wire, duct tape, magnets,
plexiglass/plastic, fabrics and plywood are the major and common ingredients of Harlan's mechanics.
Harlan pays attention to each and all of these, including 'sourcing' the appropriate
physical materials - which is particularly useful for wanna-be magicians learning to construct magic
effects. The range of sources is constantly extending as new technologies become available at
affordable prices and ease.
Sources now include not merely the local hard-ware stores and
paint shops but also, those specialising in art, office supplies, all craft supplies, 1 dollar
stores, model (railways/trains, aircraft, boats,buildings) supply shops, garden furniture and
irrigation supply, computer and radio supply stores, fabrics and cottons, dance supply, steampunk
supply and party supply stores.
What Harlan - via Mr Tarbell - does, is clearly
show/demonstrate ways to combine materials from places such as these, to set-up and several perform
magic tricks using bowls and liquids.