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Franz Mesmer
Franz Mesmer | |
|---|---|
 Print of Franz Anton Mesmer (Musée de la Révolution française) | |
| Born | Franz Anton Mesmer 23 May 1734 Iznang, Bishopric of Constance
(now Moos, Baden-Württemberg) |
| Died | 5 March 1815 (aged 80) |
| Alma mater | University of Vienna |
| Known for | Animal magnetism |
Franz Anton Mesmer (/ˈmɛzmər/ MEZ-mər;[1] German: [ˈmɛsmɐ]; 23 May 1734 – 5 March 1815) was a German physician with an interest in astronomy. He theorized the existence of a process of natural energy transference occurring between all animate and inanimate objects; this he called "animal magnetism", later referred to as mesmerism. Mesmer's theory attracted a wide following between about 1780 and 1850, and continued to have some influence until the end of the 19th century.[2] In 1843, the Scottish doctor James Braid proposed the term "hypnotism" for a technique derived from animal magnetism; today the word "mesmerism" generally functions as a synonym of "hypnosis". Mesmer also supported the arts, specifically music; he was on friendly terms with Haydn and Mozart.
- ^ "Mesmer". Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary.
- ^ Crabtree, introduction
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