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Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin "The Father of Modern Magic"
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A nineteenth century magic innovator, magician
and clock maker, Houdin was justly acclaimed as "the father of modern
magic". As part of his act, he had his blindfolded son accurately
describe objects held up by various onlookers, using a secret spoken code
between father and son. Houdin improved a suspension device so that he could
raise an assistant until his body appeared to be floating parallel to the
stage in full view of the audience. He wrote books on magic and perfected
the use of secret trap doors.
Houdin's innovations were many: He experimented with new
applications of electricity, constructed ingenious clock mechanisms, and he
even made a battery powered circuit to light his chateau years before Thomas
Edison invented the commercial light bulb. He designed the world's first
electrically controlled burglar alarm.
Streets were named after him in Paris, Blois, Bourges,
and Caen. A Robert Houdin museum in his hometown by the side of the
road leading up to Blois Castle contains some of his books, magic, clock making,
and scientific equipment.