Magicians have confounded intelligent observers since before the birth of science; they continue to do so today despite revolutionary changes in science and technology. Why should a prominent worker of wonders speak out in an attempt to discourage credulity?

In his lecture/demonstration on The Illusion of Psychic Powers, Jamy Ian Swiss reviews some of the history ofparapsychology; addresses the difference in ethical constructs between those who use magic to entertain and those who claim to have paranormal powers; describes the basic principles of conjuring techniques and psychology as used by both magicians and self-styled "psychics;" and demonstrates how the latter use these techniques to deceive the public and scientific community alike. By combining his unique expertise in deception with compelling presentations of apparent mind-reading and other psychic phenomena, he dramatically challenges such academic preconceptions as the suggestion that mere innate intelligence and/or formal education can serve as adequate protection against fraud; illustrates how and why scientists have so often become the defenseless targets of fakery; and demonstrates why the conjuror's specialized expertise in deception is the only adequate defense against such charlatanism.

His lectures have enjoyed enthusiastic receptions at the Smithsonian Institution, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the scientific research honors association Sigma Xi, and numerous university classes throughout the U.S.

"It was more than entertaining, it was a lesson, and a particularly poignant one for scientists. You demonstrated that we scientists are not only gullible, but particularly unequipped to handle blatant fraud."
Joseph Dickey, Ph.D.,President
USNA Sigma Xi (National Scientific Research Association)

"Our organization has been in existence for over 30 years, and I had several "old-timers" remark that it was the best section meeting they ever attended."
Michael Epstein, Ph.D.
Research Chemist
National Institute of Standards and Technology (N.I.S.T.)

"You have set a benchmark for our holiday colloquium that will be hard to match, much less surpass."
Richard A. Durst, Ph.D.
Chairman
N.I.S.T. Colloquium Committee

"You...managed to strike the perfect balance between a scientific approach to your subject and that of a pure entertainment approach. ...you persuaded us to re-examine our own scientific methods ...an evening well spent...it will be difficult to generate similar interest in the rest of our program this year."
John R. Moody,
Chairman, Society for Applied Spectroscopy Washington Chapter