The 'Mesmerism' and 'Hypnosis' Fad
Poet involved
What happened
Mesmerism, a pseudo-scientific practice introduced by Franz Mesmer in the 18th century, became a significant cultural fad in the 19th century, evolving into the practice of hypnosis. It involved the use of 'animal magnetism' and trance states to treat a variety of ailments, and it was wildly popular in both Europe and America. While it was often ridiculed by the medical establishment, its popularity reflected a deep public yearning for mystical explanations and alternative healing methods, and it contributed to the development of modern psychology.
Literary impact
Mesmerism and hypnosis were deeply fascinating to the Romantic and Victorian poets, providing a vocabulary for exploring altered states of consciousness, the power of suggestion, and the nature of the mind. The poets of the era, including Edgar Allan Poe, were intrigued by its implications for identity and will. The fad gave rise to a rich vein of poetic and literary works about the uncanny, the power of the mind, and the boundaries of the self.
Source: Wikipedia
