Mesmerismus
Oder, system der wechselwirkungen, theorie und anwendung des thierischen magnetismus als die allgemeine heilkunde zur erhaltung des menschen

In this 1814 book the controversial German doctor Mesmer describes his understanding of the universe, human beings and society.

Franz Anton Mesmer (Author), Karl Christian Wolfart (Edited by)

9781108072694, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 2 June 2011

450 pages, 7 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 2.5 cm, 0.57 kg

Early in his career, the German doctor Franz Mesmer (1734–1815) became fascinated by the concept that the invisible natural forces or 'magnetism' exerted by planets, minerals and animals (or humans) could produce physical effects including healing. His influential 'discoveries' were highly controversial, and Mesmer tried persistently but unsuccessfully to obtain scientific recognition for his theory of 'animal magnetism'. This book, published in 1814, was edited by Mesmer's friend J. C. Wolfart, also a medical doctor and a former sceptic. Its scope goes far beyond the mere question of healing individuals. Mesmer proposes a system that he claims would both improve the physical and mental health of individuals and promote the ethical ordering of society. Mesmer appeals to future leaders to develop his blueprint of a more 'natural' and balanced world order, based on his understanding of Enlightenment science and his observations of human physiology, psychology, education, government and justice.

An den Leser
Erklärung der Abbildungen
Vorrede
Einleitung
Erster Theil. Physik: 1. Vorläufige Begriffe
2. Von den Eigenschaften der organisirten Körper
3. Vom Menschen
Zweiter Theil. Moral: Einleitung oder Elementar-Begriffe über verschiedene auf das gesellschaftliche Leben Bezug habende Gegenstände
1. Elementar-Begriffe über Moral, Erziehung und Gesetzgebung
2. Ueber Regierung und Erziehung
Anhang. Die naturgemässe Verfahrungsart bei der Geburt des Menschen.

Subject Areas: History of ideas [JFCX]