Modern technology has usurped many powers traditionally attributed to witch and warlock. This introduces ambiguity into the exact nature of magic. A definition of magic in the terms of classical physics will be proposed. Using examples from the Buffyverse the laws of classical physics, particularly the conservation of energy and matter, will be extrapolated to the realm of magic. Particular emphasis is placed on the oft repeated Buffy theme that 'using magic always has consequences'. Concepts of karmic conservation (the balancing of evil and good), the consumption and eventual exhaustion of magical energy, and supernatural pollution will be compared to analogues in science and engineering. The end result is a hypothesis regarding the conservation of magic and different mechanisms by which this occurs in the Buffyverse.

Data projector preferred, overhead projector acceptable