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Harry Houdini
1874–1926
Hungarian-American escape artist and magician.
What they got right
Because he knew how deception works, he could spot it: he exposed fake mediums, including 'Margery' in 1924–25, by looking for the trick.
Skill it shows
Cognitive biases
Practise this skillAlso: Evidence and sources
I am willing to be convinced; my mind is open, but the proof must be such as to leave no vestige of doubt that what is claimed to be done is accomplished only through or by supernatural power.
Worth knowing
He was a showman and his methods weren't always scientific; his campaign was also personal, after his mother's death.
Try it yourself
Watch a 'too good to be true' video online. If a magician wanted to fake it, how would they do it?