Hypnotism: A History - Softcover

Forrest, Derek

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0140280405 ISBN 13: 9780140280401

Publisher: Penguin Books, 2001

Synopsis

When Anton Mesmer began to cure patients with "animal magnetism" more than two-hundred years ago he initiated a controversy in the medical profession that continues to this day. Mesmer's theory of a universal fluid in the human body that could be regulated by magnetic influence was refined and developed by his disciples-largely in France, Britain, and the United States-until it became what is known today as hypnotism. Derek Forrest explores Mesmer's extraordinary life and the work of subsequent pioneers and introduces a range of amazing characters, including Charcot, Freud's mentor, and the famously eccentric Dr. Elliotson, whose continued advocacy of mesmerism cost him his position as Physician to University College Hospital in 1838. Making use of many primary sources, Forrest presents a fascinating study of this intriguing therapy.

About this title

About the Author:

Derek Forrest is a fellow of the British Psychological Society, the Psychological Society of Ireland, and the Royal College of Psychiatrists. He has more than forty years experience in the use of hypnotism in therapy.

About this edition

• Publisher: Penguin Books
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0140280405
• ISBN 13: 9780140280401
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 368