WLM HISTORY REVIEW:

Spirits of Anesthesia

June, 1995

Volume 2, Number 2

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SUBJECT: Mesmerism

Mesmerism occupies an interesting place in the early history of anesthesia. Popularized by Franz Anton Mesmer (1734-1815), mesmerism was an outgrowth of earlier studies on magnetism by William Gilbert (1540-1603). Mesmer developed his ideas during the last days of heroic medicine, an era of medical theories and practices based more on philosophical speculation than on scientific observation or testing. Mesmerism also reflects the belief of 19th century physicians that the nervous system dominates all aspects of body function.

Mesmer claimed that his methods could cure many maladies. His claim evoked a skeptical reaction from many. At one time or another, the controversy involved such notables as Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Lavoisier and Lafayette and even King Louis XVI. Advocates, including London surgeon John Elliotson (1791-1868) and Scottish-born James Braid (1795-1860), suggested that mesmerism be used for pain relief from surgery.

The papers cited give useful background material about the mindset of physicians and the public just prior to the introduction of surgical anesthesia.

References:

Butterfield J. Dr. Gilbert's magnetism. Lancet.1991; 338:1576-1579. (Good background material about William Gilbert and early concepts of magnetism.) Gravitz MA. Early American mesmeric societies: A historical study. Am J Clin Hypn.1994; 37:41-48. *Gravitz MA. The first use of self-hypnosis: Mesmer mesmerizes Mesmer. Am J Clin Hypn.1994; 37:49-52. (A nice introduction to Mesmer and his work) Kravis NM. James Braid's psychophysiology: A turning point in the history of dynamic psychiatry. Am J Psychiatry.1988; 145:1191-1206. (Braid's ideas reflect early fascination with the nervous system.) Lawrence C. The nervous system and society in the Scottish enlightenment. In: Barnes B, Shapin S. eds. Natural order historical studies of scientific culture.Beverly Hills, CA: Sage Publications. 1979. (See pages 19-40. This chapter gives a lot of useful material about concepts of disease during the "age of heroic medicine." It explains the milieu in which Mesmer worked just prior to the introduction of anesthesia.)

Lopez CA. Franklin and Mesmer: An encounter. Yale J Biology and Medicine.1993; 66:325-331. (Another paper dealing with the controversy surrounding mesmerism. This paper explains Benjamin Franklin's involvement in the debate about the scientific merits of the technique.) Macklis RM. Magnetic healing, quackery and the debate about the health effects of electromagnetic fields. Annals Int Med.1993; 118:376-383. (A nice review which brings the debate about magnetism and mesmerism into the 20th century.) Rosen G. Mesmerism and surgery: A strange chapter in the history of anesthesia. J Hist Med.1946; 1:527-550. (A very complete reference. In particular, it describes the work of John Elliotson - an early proponent of pain relief for surgery. *The WLM has recently acquired an engraving of Elliotson.)

*loan or photocopy available from the WLM.

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Compiled and edited by Donald Caton, M.D.