Animal magnetism

Animal magnetism, also known as mesmerism, was the name given by the German doctor Franz Mesmer in the 18th century to what he believed to be an invisible natural force exerted by animals. He believed that the force could have physical effects, including healing. He tried persistently but without success to achieve scientific recognition of his theories.

The theory attracted numerous followers in Europe and the United States and was popular into the 19th century. Practitioners were often known as magnetizers. For about 75 years from its beginnings in 1779 it was an important speciality in medicine, and continued to have some influence for about another 50 years. Hundreds of books were written on the subject between 1766 and 1925. Today it is almost entirely forgotten.

Mesmerism is still practised as a form of alternative medicine in some countries, but magnetic practices are not recognized as part of medical science.

Etymology and definitions

"Magnetizer"

The terms "magnetizer" and "mesmerizer" have been applied to people who study and practice animal magnetism. These terms have been distinguished from "mesmerist" and "magnetist", which are regarded as denoting those who study animal magnetism without being practitioners; and from "hypnotist", someone who practises hypnosis.

Animal magnetism (disambiguation)

Animal magnetism may refer to:

Animal Magnetism may refer to:

Animal Magnetism (Merzbow album)

Animal Magnetism is an album by the Japanese noise musician Merzbow. The cover depicts Masami Akita's pet silkie chickens. Pier 39 is a pier in San Francisco taken over by sea lions.

Track listing

All music composed by Masami Akita.

Personnel

References