Morning herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1837-1840, 1837-07-31
Hissory OF Animal Magnetism.

In our former articles u. on this sub ect have gi-
ven some idea Of the magnitude and importance Of its
preensi and some singular and interesting pheno-
tnena connected with it. We have reflected upon the
astonishing iacreduiy of this community and the gene
raj wan, of information displayed only by the great
mass 4 the people but by those who claim TO be
men Of science and general information
Ii is now than fifty years since this subject was
apta,ed as matter Of scientific observation in Europe
Mcsmer German, has the honor Of first bringing II
before the phiosophc world though had been pract
sed Cor centuries in various ways and by various indvi
duas through the dark ages, and even IN the reotes
antiquity when subjects of this kind were made the stu
DIV and employment Of mems minds and were INFINITE
" better understood than at the present time.
The researches Of hundreds, who. with powers oi
mind equal to any that bave succeeded them and une
uaed opportunities for observation, have been wholly
lost the world partly by the foolish mystery in which
the scicnses were purpcsely involved the oaihs of Sc
crccy under which they taught and the revolu
ons and CONGREGATIONS which have destroyed what 9th
er~ise might have down tcu
The subject Of animal magnetism, called mast,
then begin with the researches and discoveries OF Mes
ner What induced him to try the experiments which
have led such astonishing results is distinctly sta
ted Itmight have been the effect Of accident but is
,pore probable that he the art pracsed under
form by others, and in attempting for it, was
gradually led 10 perfect his experiments.
II 10 well known that he first supposed the virtue
On reside in magnets, and that in his first experiments
he used magnetic points installing the supposed power
of these Cor the energy Of his will This gave the
name of Animal Magnetism his discoveries which il
has ever since retained and which, though il il apt to
lead osc into is the whole good another
Mesmcr, in his experiments and operations for the
cure of various diseases for which people ocked to him
in crowds was LED investigate the power Of his mag
nctic points, and very naturally asked himself how
these should produce such singular and opposite effect,
in his hands, while they seemed to have little vr
tue ordinarily. He tried TO produce the same effects
with his hands laying aside the magnets, and to his
isfactios completely succeeded.
variety Of singular manipuations were hrst used
and often present, yet these are hardly more ne
esssry than the magnets and may be varied or wholly
laid aside.
The effects produced by Mesmer were insensibility
state resembling sleep-the suspension of the activt,
oe nerves of sensation, producing utter insensbi,
On pain and every species Of external operatien-scm
aarnbolisn, with all its curious train OF phenomena
such as seeing with bandaged eyes, and exercising al
the senses with an extraordinary acueness. Nor were
the csecs he produced less matter Of utility than as
enlistment BY the exercise Of this power he on.
perfecsy relieved the violent pains and paroxysm
-sst perfectly cured variety Of diseases dependen