Near the end of his life, the American magician Harry Houdini became a “myth buster” of sorts-he waged a war against psychics and mediums-he was convinced that they were charlatans, who preyed on grief stricken people.
His good friend, author Arthur Conan Doyle, was the opposite-he was convinced that communication with the dead/spirits was possible.
I read years ago, that Houdini attempted to convince his friend that his beliefs were false-to do this, Houdini challenged Doyle to think of a series of words-Houdini would attempte to guess them (a common stage magic trick).
Conan Doyle thought of the (Hebrew) phrase “mene,mene, tekel, upharsim”-which were the famous words written on the wall by the “moving finger” (in the Book of Daniel).Using his stage magician skills, Houdini amazed Doyle with the correct answer.
What I have never read-was Doyle convinced by this? Or did he retain his beliefs in spirit communication?
From what I remember, Doyle remained a believer. He wrote to Houdini afterwards with words to the effect, “Well, I know that was a fake, but I still believe there’s something about you and your abilities that’s supernatural, even if you don’t realize it.”
Yes, I think ACD remained a believer in the supernatural, seances and fairies to the end of his days.