Rational Thaumaturgy

Rational Thaumaturgy* is a theory put forward by the former Learned Society of Manchester Magicians (fl. c.1800?). Its aim was the revival of practical magic, and its proponents - many of them hardheaded men of business - hoped that the application of the powers of reasoning and science which had so benefited the manufacturing arts would have a similar effect on magic. The theory however did not work, and the society disbanded in discouragement[1].

*Thaumaturgy : The art of working of wonders; magic.