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Past Present Future
The History of Bad Ideas: Mesmerism
May 19, 2024
Helen Lewis joins to discuss Mesmerism, delving into its origins, societal impacts, and connections to modern phenomena. Topics include Franz Mesmer as a healer or charlatan, the evolution of Mesmerism, gender bias in medical research, psychological influences on health, and parallels to social contagion and hypnotherapy.
56:52
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Quick takeaways
- Mesmerism blurred boundaries between science and pseudoscience in the 18th century.
- The gendered exploitation in Mesmerism raised concerns about societal perceptions and vulnerability.
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History and Consequences of Mesmerism
Mesmerism, also known as animal magnetism, was a popular concept in the late 18th century introduced by Franz Anton Mesmer. He believed in the healing power of magnets and the influence of a magnetic fluid in the body to cure illnesses, reminiscent of the humoral theory. Mesmer's methods induced trance-like states in patients through spasms and fits. The era, filled with discoveries of invisible forces like radiation and electricity, was ripe for such ideas, bridging science and pseudoscience.
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Discover
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