Magic Tricks: The Science of Illusion

To entertain, to awe, to surprise. These are often the phrases connected to magic tricks. Whether conducted by a professional magician or street performer, magic tricks can make people smile with disbelief or snort with disappointment. It all depends on the magician's mastery of the trick and his acting abilities.

Magic tricks are illusions conducted as part of a performing art to amuse and entertain audiences. These may seem to be supernatural feats or impossible occurrences although these are achieved by natural means. People who perform magic tricks are called magicians. The term “magician” comes from the word “magi” which is an old Persian word that has the same meaning.

Although magic tricks have been practiced since ancient times, more feats have been added to the long list of secrets a magician keeps.

Since magic tricks are not at all supernatural, the secret behind these tricks must remain a secret. Once a secret is out, the magic trick will lose its appeal and is said to have been “killed”.

In order for a magic trick and the magic profession to endure, magician's abide to an oath which states that they cannot disclose their secrets to anyone else unless that person promises to keep the secret as well. Currently, however, people have become more analytic and speculative of magic tricks, prompting some magicians to reveal their secrets in order for them to earn more.

One of the greatest magicians of all time is Harry Houdini whose real name was Ehrich Weiss. He established the modern relationship between audience and magician. Most of his magic tricks involved audience participation using fake equipment and conjuring techniques. Today, most of his tricks, especially those that involve picks and locks, are still used in magic shows.

Magicians use several effects to produce magic tricks. These include production, vanish, transformation, restoration, teleportation, levitation and prediction. To aid them in their feats, magicians use illusion and sometimes, special equipment. They also have special techniques and are skilled with the sleight of hand.

Currently, magic tricks are commonly performed in company events, children's parties, and in bars or restaurants.