Anyone might want to think twice before shaking hands with Clive Annerette because it’s unknown what effects those hands might have. Mr. Annerette of Minot, North Dakota became something of a local celebrity and media (and medical) curiosity in the 1940s with his demonstrations of extraordinary powers literally at his fingertips. He could illuminate an unpowered lightbulb, for example, simply by squeezing the metal tip in either of his hands. Upon request he could perform many other unexplained feats. After holding a glass of tap water in his hands for about five minutes, the water would begin to turn to ice. Conversely, he showed that he could place a hand in a bowl of water that, after awhile, would begin to bubble and boil. An ordinary nail held between his thumb and forefinger would instantly become magnetized enough to pick up several other nails. During one outdoor public demonstration, he invited members of the audience to bring to him any pets they might have brought with them. Three dogs and one cat were brought on stage. To everyone’s amazement, as Annerette stroked each animal in turn, they almost instantly fell into a deep sleep. It was a feat he didn’t care to do too much, he said, because it upset the pet owners too much. Annerette was examined by doctors, scientists and professional magicians alike, none of whom could account for his mysterious powers.
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