The concept of “magic” has been around for centuries. The first known evidence of its presence spans as far back to 2,700 BCE. “The art of natural magic, then, dates back to the remotest periods of antiquity. It was an art cultivated by the Egyptian, Chaldean, Jewish, Roman, and Grecian priesthoods, being used by them to dupe the ignorant masses” (Hopkins 2). For example, the ancient tomb of Baqet III in Beni Hasan, Egypt is noted to contain one of the earliest depictions of such spectacles, a drawing of two magicians performing the knowingly infamous illusion, cups and balls. Through time, magic has adapted into many different art forms, from stage magicians and illusionists, to prestidigitators, conjurors, hypnotists, mentalists, escapologists; the list goes on. However, in …show more content…
People tend to assume that magic is an obsolete art, when compared to the capabilities of today’s digital work. However, as a result, magic had to reinvent itself for the 21st century. It is still valuable, even though such practices don’t come without skepticisms. Regardless, magic still has a place, even in a world filled with such high degrees of digital deception. There are many varying opinions amongst magicians regarding how to classify certain effects, but no less, a number of classifications have been established throughout the years. Whether a magician pulls a rabbit from an empty hat, makes something seem to disappear, seemingly defy gravity, or even predict the decisions of a spectator, each act has a specific place of belonging within the world of magic and deception. Such classifications include, Production, Vanish, Transformation, Restoration, Escape, Levitation, Penetration, and Prediction. Production involves producing something from nothing. Vanish consists of making something disappear. Transformation includes transforming something from one state to another. Restoration takes account of