Franz Mesmer

Franz Anton Mesmer (May 23, 1734 – March 5, 1815) was a German physician whose ideas and practices led to the development of hypnosis and psychotherapy. He is best known for his theory of animal magnetism, which he believed was a natural energy transference occurring between all animated and inanimate objects.

Early Life and Education

Franz Mesmer was born in the village of Iznang in the Holy Roman Empire, now part of Germany. He studied at the University of Vienna, where he received a degree in medicine in 1766. His dissertation, "De planetarum influxu in corpus humanum" ("On the Influence of the Planets on the Human Body"), explored the influence of celestial bodies on human health, reflecting his early interest in the interconnectedness of natural forces.

Development of Animal Magnetism

Mesmer's theory of animal magnetism was based on the belief that there was a natural energetic transference between all living and non-living things. He proposed that this energy could be manipulated to heal various ailments. Mesmer's methods involved the use of magnets and later his hands to direct this energy flow, which he believed could cure illnesses by restoring the natural balance of the body's magnetic fluids.

In 1774, Mesmer achieved fame when he reportedly cured a patient of hysteria using his magnetic techniques. This success led to the establishment of a practice in Paris, where he gained a large following. Mesmer's sessions often involved group treatments, where patients would sit around a large tub filled with "magnetized" water, holding iron rods that supposedly conducted the magnetic energy.

Controversy and Legacy

Mesmer's practices were controversial and attracted the attention of the medical community and the public. In 1784, a commission appointed by King Louis XVI and including notable figures such as Benjamin Franklin and Antoine Lavoisier investigated Mesmer's claims. The commission concluded that there was no evidence of the existence of animal magnetism, attributing the effects observed to the power of suggestion.

Despite the official discrediting of his theories, Mesmer's work laid the groundwork for the development of hypnosis and psychotherapy. His ideas influenced later figures such as James Braid and Sigmund Freud, who explored the psychological aspects of suggestion and the unconscious mind.

Also see

• Hypnosis
• Psychotherapy
• James Braid
• Sigmund Freud
• History of medicine

References

• Darnton, Robert. Mesmerism and the End of the Enlightenment in France. Harvard University Press, 1968.
• Pattie, Frank A. Mesmer and Animal Magnetism: A Chapter in the History of Medicine. Hamilton, 1994.