Manual of Animal Magnetism: Methods Employed in Producing the Magnetic Phenomena; Application to Treatment and Cure of Diseases

Explore the enduring ideas of animal magnetism and its early experiments across medicine and psychology.In a concise, accessible voice, this edition compiles the historical survey and practical observations surrounding animal magnetism. It traces Mesmer’s theory, explains how magnetism was expected to interact with the nerves, and surveys a range of demonstrations, from magnetised water to magnetic trees. The text emphasizes how practitioners described the transmission of magnetic fluid, the role of sleep and somnambulism, and the therapeutic claims made for various conditions.Readers will encounter practical details on setting up magnetisation practices, the equipment used, and the kinds of effects reported during sessions. The material is presented with an eye toward evidence and experience, inviting readers to weigh the claims against the demonstrations described.Historical overview of Mesmer’s theory and its evolution in early medical practiceDescriptions of magnetic practices, including magnetised water and other auxiliariesAccounts of sleep, somnambulism, and the therapeutic observations linked to magnetismNotes on how magnetism was tested, observed, and discussed by contemporariesIdeal for readers curious about the roots of a controversial therapeutic idea and its influence on later medical thought. Read more