Yes, Houdini, Halloween, and National Magic Day, of course. But today also marks the birthday of Professor Herwinn (William Humpage) in 1861; he was the Bristol, England magician who apparently invented the Thumb Tip. His original is in the museum at The Magic Circle.
His original idea was to use the Thumb Tip with the corner of a handkerchief to prove that the hank was still in his hand as he was secretly palming it away. The Vanishing Cigarette, Torn and Restored Paper, Bill Switch, and more than a century of dealer indecencies followed in a seemingly endless parade of variations.
Herwinn was also the inventor of the Siberian Chain Escape. Perhaps we should consider that it is Herwinn who provided the secret reason why magicians celebrate their art on Halloween.
Photo courtesy of Jim Steinmeyer