Animal magnetism, also known as mesmerism, is an invisible natural force possessed by all living things. It can have physical effects, including healing. This theory attracted many followers in Europe and the United States and was popular in the 19th century.
Theory creator
Franz Anton Mesmer was a German physician with an interest in astronomy. His theory suggests that there is a natural transfer of energy that occurs between all animate and inanimate objects. Mesmer called it animal magnetism. A similar idea was revived by the spiritualists of the new era in modern times. Mesmer's theory attracted wide attention between 1780 and 1850 and continued to have some influence until the end of the century. In 1843, Scottish Dr. James Braid proposed the term "hypnosis" for a technique based on mesmerism.
First steps
In 1774, Mesmer caused an “artificial rush” in a patient, Francisco Osterlin, who suffered from hysteria, forcing her to swallow a drug containing iron, and then attaching magnets to various parts of her body. The woman said that she feels a stream of mysterious fluid running through her body, and for several hours got rid of the symptoms. Mesmer did not believe that magnets contributed to healing. He felt a telepathic connection with the patient.
Mesmer understood health as the free flow of the life process through thousands of channels in the human body. The disease was caused by obstacles along the way. Overcoming them gave rise to a crisis that restored health. Nature could not do this spontaneously, so contact with the vehicle of animal magnetism was necessary. For example, to cure a madman, you need to cause an attack of madness. The advantage of magnetism was to accelerate such crises without danger.
Mesmer's predecessor
Robert Fludd was an outstanding English physician with scientific and occult interests. He is remembered as an astrologer, mathematician, cosmologist, Kabbalist and apologist for the Rosencruiser.
Most of Fludd's writings are centered around sympathies found in nature between man, earth, and the divine principle. His theory of the origin of all things affirmed: "All kinds and things come first from the dark chaos, then from the Divine light, which ultimately gives rise to water." This last element was also called the spirit of the Lord. In Fludd’s theory, Mesmer derived his idea of “life fluid”.
Magnetizer
The terms “magnetizer” and “hypnotist” have been applied to people who study and practice animal magnetism. They differed from the "mesmerist" and "magnetist", which designate those who study the theory, but do not practice it. The etymology of the word "magnetizer" comes from the French "magnetiseur", meaning a person who has the ability to manipulate the "magnetic fluid".
Mesmerism
There has been a tendency among British magnetizers to call their clinical methods "mesmerism." They wanted to distance themselves from the theoretical orientation of animal magnetism, based on the concept of "magnetic fluid." Some magnetizers tried to direct her by the laying on of hands. The effects of this included various feelings: intense fever, trembling, trance, and seizures.
Life fluid
Animal magnetism can cause a wide range of effects, from vomiting to what is called a "crisis." The goal of the treatment was to convulse the body to remove the obstructions in the humoral system that caused the disease. The crisis created two effects:
- A condition in which an individual is completely reduced under magnetic influence. Although he must appear to be self-possessed, he is no longer an accountable being.
- A state of perfect and unhindered vision. All opacity is removed. Each object becomes luminous and transparent. It was believed that a patient in critical condition is able to see through the body and find the cause of the disease either in himself or in other patients.
Skepticism in the Romantic Age
The study of animal magnetism stimulated the creation of harmony societies in France, whose members paid to study the practice of mesmerism. Dr. John Bell was a member of the Philharmonic Society of Harmonica of Paris and received a certificate for lecturing and teaching in England. The existence of societies has turned mesmerism into a secret art. His lecturers conducted hypnosis sessions. The increased secrecy of the practice contributed to skepticism about this. However, many proponents of mesmerism touted the ease and opportunity for everyone to acquire skills to perform their techniques.
The popularization of animal magnetism was condemned and ridiculed by newspaper magazines and theater in the romantic era. Many considered him nothing more than a theatrical lie and quackery.
Political influence
The French Revolution catalyzed existing domestic political friction in Britain in 1790. Some radicals used animal magnetism not only as a moral, but also as a political threat. They accused major politicians and those in power of applying hypnosis to the population.
London broker James Tilly Matthews claimed that the French penetrate England through animal magnetism. He believed that “magnetic spies” would invade and subjugate his homeland. Such an invasion of foreign influences was perceived as a radical threat.
Mesmerism and Spiritual Healing Practices
Today, some scholars believe that Mesmerism shares the concept of vitality and energy with Asian practices such as Reiki and Qigong. However, the practical and theoretical provisions of these three theories differ significantly.
In the romantic period, mesmerism was enthusiastic and terrifying in a spiritual and religious context. Although many discredited him as a credible medical practice, he created a place for spiritual healing. Some animal magnetists have touted their practices, emphasizing spiritual rather than physical advantages.
Several scholars, including Johann Peter Lange and Allan Kardek, have suggested that Jesus was the greatest of all magnetizers and that animal magnetism was the source of his miracles.