[Published in Fortean Times, no. 210, October 2006, p. 73.]
Human magnets
"Human Batteries & Magnets" discusses Lulu Hurst, the "Georgia Wonder"
as though her feats have not been explained [FT210:52]. They have
been explained in detail, at least since Nelson W Perry's "The Feats
of the Magnetic Girl Explained" in Cassier's, January 1895,
which is available online at http://www.worldwideschool.org/library/books/tech/magic/TheFeatsoftheMagneticGirlExplained/Chap1.html.
Hurst explained her techniques in her autobiography, published in
1897, and sold online by magic shops.
Jim Lippard
Phoenix, Arizona