Houdini's name is inspired by Robert-Houdin, who was himself a great inventor. Back in the 1870, his electric chime that allowed people at the gate to ring a bell far away in his home across the garden was considered magic; ditto the "treasure chest" that stuck to the ground thanks to a big electromagnet.

His book "Comment on devient sorcier" ("How to be a sorcerer") explains many of his tricks in detail.

Some are incredibly difficult though... to the point I wonder if he actually gives the real explanation :)