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Animal Magnetism
An alternative
term for Mesmerism
which appears to be first used by Michael A. Thouret in his work Reseaches
et dorites sur le Magnetisme animal (1782). In this work it was Thouret's
intention to disassociate the phenomena from the man who popularized it
Anton Mesmer. (1733-1815). Thouret had reviewed the phenomena throughout
the ages, finding the name "animal magnetism" was otherwise used
intending to disassociate it from ferro-magnetism indicating that the mesmeric
or mesmeric fluid was associated with an unusual phenomena in living organisms.
Animal Magnetism became the preferred term used by experimenters and writers
such as J. P. F. Deleuze (1753-1835) and William Gregory (1803-1858), translator
of Baron von Reikenbach's "Odic Force" (associated with animal
magnetism). Through study Animal Magnetism has embraced such paranormal
phenomena as Clairvoyance, Transportation of Senses, and Sympathy (rapport between
operator and subject).
Animal Magnetism has been labeled other terms in order to give it some scientific
dignity. Over the years it has been called Psycodunamy (Theodore Leger),
"Electro-Psychology," "Electro-Biology," but eventually
Animal Magnetism was supplanted by "Hypnotism." Although, Hypnotism
has become the preferred term for it, there is still much to be known concerning
the phenomena.
Source: 9.