Mesmerismus Oder, system der wechselwirkungen, theorie und anwendung des thierischen magnetismus als die allgemeine heilkunde zur erhaltung des menschen

Early in his career, the German doctor Franz Mesmer (1734–1815) became fascinated by the concept that the invisible natural forces or 'magnetism' exerted by planets, minerals and animals (or humans) could produce physical effects including healing. His influential 'discoveries' were highly controversial, and Mesmer tried persistently but unsuccessfully to obtain scientific recognition for his theory of 'animal magnetism'. This book, published in 1814, was edited by Mesmer's friend J. C. Wolfart, also a medical doctor and a former sceptic. Its scope goes far beyond the mere question of healing individuals. Mesmer proposes a system that he claims would both improve the physical and mental health of individuals and promote the ethical ordering of society. Mesmer appeals to future leaders to develop his blueprint of a more 'natural' and balanced world order, based on his understanding of Enlightenment science and his observations of human physiology, psychology, education, government and justice.

An den Leser; Erklärung der Abbildungen; Vorrede; Einleitung; Erster Theil. Physik: 1. Vorläufige Begriffe; 2. Von den Eigenschaften der organisirten Körper; 3. Vom Menschen; Zweiter Theil. Moral: Einleitung oder Elementar-Begriffe über verschiedene auf das gesellschaftliche Leben Bezug habende Gegenstände; 1. Elementar-Begriffe über Moral, Erziehung und Gesetzgebung; 2. Ueber Regierung und Erziehung; Anhang. Die naturgemässe Verfahrungsart bei der Geburt des Menschen.

The German doctor Franz Mesmer (1734-1815) was fascinated by the idea that invisible natural forces or 'magnetism' could produce physical effects including healing. He was rebuffed by the scientific establishment, but in this 1814 book summarised his 'system' as a harmonious natural philosophy that could benefit both individuals and society.