Nicolas-Philippe Ledru

Nicolas Philippe Ledru (1731–1807), known as Comus, was a noted European physicist, prestidigitator and magician of the late 18th century. He styled himself Comus after the Greek god of mirth and revelry, and entertained royalty, aristocrats, and the general public with his scientific experiments. He traveled extensively throughout Europe demonstrating his tricks and acquired huge reputation.

Apart from running magic acts Comus devised a new system for nautical maps and an application of electricity for therapeutic purposes for illness of the nervous system or, simply, epilepsy. Louis XV, who appointed him his physician, gave him the title Professeur de Physique des Enfants de France. Louis XVI authorized him to practice at his new Hospice Médico-Électrique. Later, Comus opened his own theater for demonstrations in Paris. He was imprisoned during the Terror but survived the guillotine. He died in 1807 a wealthy man, leaving his fortune to his only daughter.