Designer: Jim Steinmeyer

Quantum Mechanics is fully described and detailed in Steinmeyer’s book Technique and Understanding. Owners of this book are authorized to build and perform this illusion. You may also contact Jim Steinmeyer directly to find a recommended builder.

The magician’s assistant lies on a table and is covered with two boxes that meet in the middle. The front of the boxes are opaque, but allow for a lightbulb to cast a shadow on them, revealing the assistant inside. The assistant’s neck and feet are placed in stocks, holding her to the table. The magician then turns on the light from above revealing that the assistant’s midsection is missing. Turning off the light and turning it on once more shows her entire body is missing. To prove it has truly vanished, the magician then removes the boxes and is able to move the light across the space previously occupied by the assistant’s body, showing there is nothing in between but empty space. The boxes are replaced and the assistant is restored.

Photo Credit: Andrew Evans