It's no secret that we live in a world increasingly shaped by technology. From our smartphones and laptops to smart home devices and wearable tech, gadgets have become an integral part of our daily lives. But what if there were gadgets that could add a touch of magic to our tech-savvy existence? Enter the world of golden magic gadgets. These are devices that not only possess cutting-edge technology but also incorporate elements of enchantment and wonder. Whether it's a smartphone that can conjure holographic images or a tablet that can transform into a golden spell book, these gadgets are designed to bring a touch of magic to our fingertips. One of the main draws of golden magic gadgets is their ability to create extraordinary experiences.
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An enterprising DIY magician might even connect it to their smartphone so a prerecorded name could be whispered into the assistant s ear to match the secret name on the spiritphone s display. Do-it-yourselfers nostalgic for the simple but clever magical props popular nearly a century ago can still follow Greene s detailed spiritphone instructions.
One of the main draws of golden magic gadgets is their ability to create extraordinary experiences. Imagine being able to control your home appliances with a wand or having a pair of earbuds that can translate languages in real-time. These gadgets allow us to unlock a whole new realm of possibilities and turn the ordinary into something extraordinary.
This gadget from 1930 let people ‘talk’ to the dead—with a magic trick
How a Popular Science tutorial for building a ‘spiritphone’ tuned into the hype of the Golden Age of Magic.
By Bill Gourgey | Published Aug 15, 2023 9:00 AM EDT
MAGIC FIRST TOOK SHAPE from the occult—from unseen forces once more popularly believed to flow from the spirit world to alter the course of mortal events. Throughout history, magicians were seen as aloof figures mysteriously granted secret knowledge to channel numinous power. In some cultures and times, magicians held sway as oracles and shamans; in others, they were shunned as sorcerers and witches—or worse. It wasn’t until the late 19th century that magic made a break from its mostly mystical roots. Interest in magic grew exponentially into the 20th century when it became a popular performing art, sparking decades of fantastic feats of illusion, conjuring, and escapology known as the Golden Age of Magic.
Given magic’s history, it is particularly apt that in 1930, in the midst of magic’s heyday, Popular Science offered readers do-it-yourself instructions for building a “spiritphone”—a gadget capable of making prophecies by dint of its apparent radio connection with “the land of the departed.”
“The spiritphone,” wrote George S. Greene, “is easy to construct and still easier to operate, and is one of the most effective tricks for the amateur magician.” The trick’s premise is to guess the name of a famous person secretly picked by a member of the audience.
Slips of blank paper are handed out, and each audience member jots down the name of a “departed hero or famous [person]” of their own choosing. The folded slips are then collected in a hat. A member of the audience is chosen at random to select a folded slip, without peering at the name. The magician hands that volunteer the spiritphone, but not before barely turning a fake screw at its base, which brings the name of a famous person into view on the spiritphone’s dial. The volunteer is then instructed to ask the spiritphone, via a receiver, what name is on the slip of paper. The spiritphone “responds,” and the volunteer announces to the audience what they “hear”—which really means what they see on the spiritphone’s display. To everyone’s delight, the spiritphone’s answer matches what’s written on the folded slip of paper. That’s because when the slips of paper are collected from the audience, with sleight of hand, the magician tucks them into the hat’s interior sweatband and replaces them with slips that all bear the same name, preselected by the magician. The spiritphone has the same name imprinted on the rotating display in its interior mechanism, which Greene’s instructions explain how to build.
The cover of the February 1930 issue features home projects and asked if we should abolish speed laws. Popular Science
Greene was a longtime Popular Science contributor who covered the magic beat, regularly explaining how tricks worked. One such article, written in January 1929, “Famous Magic Tricks Explained,” garnered protest from readers who didn’t want the magazine to reveal what was behind the curtain and spoil the charm of mainstream magic’s spell.
For instance, Greene explained how escapologists, like the legendary Harry Houdini, could vanish from an enclosed tank filled with water. Such tanks, it turns out, had a concealed trap door connected to a man-sized tube that deposited the performer backstage. “To perform the feat,” Greene explained, “one must, of course, have the ability to stay under water for the minute or two required.” Houdini could definitely hold his breath, but did he possess supernatural abilities? According to Greene, the trick is in the prop. Magicians are “specialists in woodcraft and metalworking, electricity, and psychology, and the ideas worked out are, in many cases, equal in cleverness to the products of our modern inventors.”
In Greene’s time, carnivals were a popular venue for magic, and fortune telling was a cornerstone of traveling performances. Remember the crystal-gazing Omaha magician who becomes the Wizard in L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (an American classic with magic and illusion at its core)? The rise of television after World War II offered magicians an opportunity to branch out from their vaudeville roots. Today, David Copperfield is perhaps one of the best-known practicing illusionists. The 2013 blockbuster movie Now You See Me took illusion to a whole new level with the assistance of magic consultant (yes, there is such a profession), David Kwong.
Do-it-yourselfers nostalgic for the simple but clever magical props popular nearly a century ago can still follow Greene’s detailed spiritphone instructions. Some woodworking knowledge is a prerequisite, and a few modernizations might make the trick more relatable for a contemporary audience. For instance, a Bluetooth earbud or headset could replace the tethered receiver. An enterprising DIY magician might even connect it to their smartphone so a prerecorded name could be whispered into the assistant’s ear to match the secret name on the spiritphone’s display. Oh, and you’ll want to bring your own hat. It’s not likely that anyone in a 2020s audience will be able to offer a 1920s-style felt hat equipped with a paper-slip-concealing interior sweatband.
Bill Gourgey is a Popular Science contributor and unofficial digital archeologist who enjoys excavating PopSci’s vast archives to update noteworthy stories (yes, merry-go-rounds are noteworthy).
Bill Gourgey is a Popular Science contributor and unofficial digital archeologist who enjoys excavating PopSci’s vast archives to update noteworthy stories (yes, merry-go-rounds are noteworthy).
Another benefit of golden magic gadgets is their aesthetic appeal. With their golden finishes and intricate designs, these devices are truly a sight to behold. They add a touch of elegance and sophistication to our tech collection, making them not just practical but also stylish accessories. But perhaps the most exciting aspect of golden magic gadgets is their ability to spark our imagination. In a world that often feels mundane, these devices remind us of the enchantment and wonder that can still exist in our lives. They tap into our childhood dreams of magic and invite us to explore new realms of possibility. Of course, it's important to note that acquiring golden magic gadgets isn't as simple as waving a wand. These devices are often rare and exclusive, making them highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. However, for those fortunate enough to get their hands on one, the rewards are truly priceless. In conclusion, golden magic gadgets offer a unique blend of cutting-edge technology and enchantment. With their ability to create extraordinary experiences, their aesthetic appeal, and their power to spark our imagination, these devices have the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with technology. So, if you're ready to add a touch of magic to your tech collection, keep your eyes open for the golden gadgets that are sure to captivate our hearts and minds..
Reviews for "Golden Magic Gadgets: The Perfect Blend of Luxury and Technology"
1. Emma - 2 stars - The story "Get Golden Magic Gadgets" was a huge disappointment for me. The plot was confusing and lacked depth. The main character's actions seemed illogical and didn't make much sense. Moreover, the writing style felt choppy and inconsistent. Overall, I found it difficult to stay engaged and invested in the story.
2. John - 1 star - I did not enjoy "Get Golden Magic Gadgets" at all. The narrative was incredibly predictable, leaving no room for surprises or twists. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked any development. I found myself bored and disinterested in their journey. It's a shame because the premise had potential, but the execution fell flat.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I struggled to finish "Get Golden Magic Gadgets" as it failed to capture my attention. The pacing was incredibly slow, and the story felt repetitive and dull. The dialogue between characters felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to connect with them. Overall, I found the book to be quite forgettable and wouldn't recommend it to others.
4. Michael - 2 stars - "Get Golden Magic Gadgets" didn't live up to my expectations. The world-building was weak, and the magical elements felt underdeveloped. The story lacked originality and felt like a rehash of familiar tropes. The author's writing style also didn't resonate with me, making it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story. Unfortunately, it didn't leave a lasting impression and I won't be revisiting this book in the future.