[Published in Fortean Times, no. 210, October 2006, p. 73.]

Human magnets

"Human Batteries & Magnets" discusses Lulu Hurst, the "Georgia Wonder" as though her feats have not been explained [FT210:52]. They have been explained in detail, at least since Nelson W Perry's "The Feats of the Magnetic Girl Explained" in Cassier's, January 1895, which is available online at http://www.worldwideschool.org/library/books/tech/magic/TheFeatsoftheMagneticGirlExplained/Chap1.html. Hurst explained her techniques in her autobiography, published in 1897, and sold online by magic shops.

Jim Lippard
Phoenix, Arizona