Before Jean-Eugène Robert Hudan earned his reputation as the father of modern theater illusions, he was a humble watchmaker in France in the early 19th century. We would like to thank Robert-Houdin, who helped transform the public's perception of magic from vulgar to an actual art form (and promote the trend of wearing beautiful suits in performances).

Today, Robert Hudin's extensive contributions to the field are mainly remembered by historians, magicians and magic lovers. But a wider audience can easily identify the magician who borrowed his last name: Harry Houdini.

Although Houdini (born Eric Weiss) did choose this stage name to pay tribute to Robert Houding, he later published a whole book denouncing what his once glorious predecessor had done. In this episode of The List Show, Mental Floss editor-in-chief Erin McCarthy will share how all this happened—and other fascinating tidbits in the history of magic.

Learn how the word "legerdemain" came about, why the medieval cup and ball illusion viewers must pay attention to their pockets, and more.

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