The physics of magic, the magic of physics

Published by University of Leicester Press Office for University of Leicester in Communities and also in Education

Scientists are magicians? That’s what professional stage magician Phill Smith is to discuss at a free public lecture at the University of Leicester.

‘The Physics of Magic, The Magic of Physics’ will take place on 1 June, 6.30pm in Lecture Theatre 1 of the Bennett building, University of Leicester.

Describing it as a ‘science show with magic’, self-confessed science fan Phill hopes to shed light on the hard science that informs the designers of the most impressive illusions.

Phill explained, “Magic is the art of exploiting hidden knowledge to enact the impossible. Physics is the science of studying and quantifying the possible. A solid knowledge of physics can help with the mechanisms and hidden concepts that underpin much of magic.

“18th century illusionists like Robert Houdin used complex physical mechanisms in their equipment that would have been impossible without the breakthroughs in physics and engineering that were being driven by the industrial revolution. Modern illusionists prefer to use more streamlined methods based on the physics of optics as well as a heavy dose of psychology, materials science, chemistry and naturally, buckets of showbiz.”

His lecture forms part of the Leicester Physics Centre’s series of public events. The Centre is sponsored by the Institute of Physics and hosted by the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Leicester. It presents a series of physics-based evening lectures with the aim of promoting the wonder of science to the public. People of all ages, both children and adults, are welcome to attend and schools are encouraged to participate.

Head of the Leicester Physics Centre, Dr Darren Wright, said, “The Department is working hard to encourage and foster interdisciplinary activities involving physics. The Physics of Magic is an excellent example of how the Department is pushing forward the application of pure science for practical (and magical!) purposes. Magic appeals to people of all ages and seeing the physics behind it will, I hope, inspire some creative minds.”

“Phill Smith is a well-respected magician and science enthusiast and the Department of Physics and Astronomy is very pleased that he has made time to undertake this public event.”

Leicester-based Phill Smith has performed as a magician for a long time at private functions and bookings, including a collaborative show called HeadFry at the now defunct Leicester Jongleurs. Along the way he became involved in designing routines and effects for other performers and the author of a number of niche books on the subject.

The use of science concepts by magicians and illusionists is the subject of the first half of his talk, Physics in Magic. The second half, Magic in Physics, will look at the way in which today’s cutting edge research is approaching the realm of real magic.

Phill said, “We live in a world where it is scarcely remarkable for a doctor to stop a person's heart and start it again, or even replace it with the heart of another person. Instant communication with people thousands of miles away, the regular and routine propulsion of human beings into orbit... The lines between science and magic are blurred already, but research subjects like determining a person's thoughts using FMRI or EEG equipment or even exotic ideas like quantum computing and particle teleportation smash those boundaries to smithereens.”

To book a seat for the lecture, please contact Kiri Rhodes via kr124@le.ac.uk or 0116 252 3570.