Animal Magnetism Flashcards
What is a Zeitgeist?
Dominant set of ideals and beliefs that motivate the actions of the members of a society in a particular period in time.
What is a Ortgeist?
The impact of the physical or social surroundings on the growth of cultural, economic, artistic and scientific life in a specific place.
Who is Franz Anton Mesmer? What did he do?
The ‘father of hypnosis’ Physician Studied magnetic medicine Realises that the magnet is not necessary to elicit responses… Declares himself a magnet From magnetic medicine to the‘universal fluid’ A sensitive receptor (usually female) A sensitive agent (usually male)
Why was Mesmer so popular?
In line with zeitgeist and ortgeist
In line with current science (discovery of gases, electricity, etc.)
In line with current beliefs
What was involved in the practice of Animal Magnetism?
Magnetizing poles Activating the circulation of‘the fluid’ Long passes and short passes The salutary (beneficial) crisis The convulsive chamber The baquet First group sessions
What is Animal Magnetism?
The ability to be influenced by fluid in the body which creates different poles within the body.
What did Mesmer believe Animal Magnetism could do?
Animal Magnetism can cure nervous diseases immediately, and other diseases mediately.
anticipation of adjunct treatment
How did Mesmer think Animal Magnetism would benefit doctors and clinicians? (and their patients)
The new principle can have a universal usefulness (the physician will be able to know which medication to use, how to increase its efficiency, how to control and provoke salutary crisis.)
The physician will be able to judge the origin and the progression of the diseases, with no side-effects for the patients. Even pregnant women will benefit.
Why did Mesmer get into trouble?
Group session and the convulsive chamber
Magnetizing poles
What did the The Royal Commission of Inquiry do?
Published an official report
Double-blind experimentation
-Role of imagination, imitation, physical touchings
-led to the preparation of a secret report on morality
What were the findings of the report?
Physical dangers:
Women have a less evolved nervous system
Women are more prone to illnesses
Women experience the salutary crisis as a form of orgasm…
Psychological dangers:
Women are more emotional; easily disturbed
Moral dangers:
Marital and family relationships could be threatened…
What are the major theoretical points of hypnosis?
Scientific explanation of the cure process (universal fluid)
Illness stems from blockages along the different poles of the body
Individuals differ in receptivity
Animal Magnetism can be applied to both physical and nervous diseases
Convulsive crisis is the highlight of the curative process
