If I remember correctly, this story appeared in the original Hacker's Dictionary (published 1983). I don't have a copy of that book any more, but someone who does might be able to confirm.
I do have a copy of the 1983 book, and this story is present. Like the online copy linked to here, it also begins with "Some years ago ..."
Re:A Story About ‘Magic' (1983)
by nanofortnight on Thursday August 11, 2022 @02:30AM
(#32422246)
The original was posted to USENET by Ed Nather (utastro!nather) on May 21, 1983.
Related:
A Story About ‘Magic' - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=27740579 - July 2021 (1 comment)
Hacker Folklore: A Story About ‘Magic' - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=21385180 - Oct 2019 (1 comment)
A Story About ‘Magic' (1994) - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=9102110 - Feb 2015 (60 comments)
A Story About ‘Magic' (1994) - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=7472328 - March 2014 (1 comment)