Defying gravity and belief

Daniel Dunglas Home's name may not be as well-known today as Harry Houdini's, but perhaps it should be. He may have been one of the greatest parapsychologists of the 19th century, capable of extraordinary (if not paranormal) feats, and he may also have been one of the greatest magicians. In séances, he could cause heavy tables and chairs (often with the people seated on them) to levitate. Upon closer observation, he could place his face and hands in hot coals without harm. He could also enlarge and stretch himself by as much as 30 centimeters.

In his most famous show, he supposedly flew out of the window of a four-story building and reappeared outside, returning to the astonishment of onlookers. Unlike other mediums of the time, Home willingly submitted to scrutiny by scientists and skeptics. No one was able to prove that his feats were mere tricks or explain how he performed them.