II.

History

The earliest written records indicate that a distinction has probably always been made between magicians who are entertainers and the tribal witch doctors and medicine men who claimed that their incantations and spells could control nature and human destiny. The first magicians of recorded history were those of ancient Egypt. The Egyptian magician Dedi, who lived about 2700 bc gave a performance in which he decapitated two birds and an ox and then restored their heads. Other Egyptian magicians were noted for their skill with the trick of the cups and balls. In this trick small balls seem to pass invisibly from one inverted cup or bowl to another. Finally, they are converted into larger spheres or such unexpected things as oranges or live baby chicks.

Sleight of hand with coins, dice, and, later, playing cards added variety to the performances of medieval magicians. The tricks of the cut and restored string and of thrusting a dagger through the arm without injury were performed in taverns and in marketplaces.