Mesmer's theorization of the fluid as universal and equally present in all places at all times suggests a cosmic refutation of the classical model of the Great Chain of Being. In many ways, Mesmer's process of healing patients through the application of animal magnetism was a mediation based in the equilateral harmonization of all organic nodes in the network of existence. Illness, as understood by Mesmer, was a disruption of an individual's inner harmony and fluid flow, and he believed that he could, mentally and physiologically, self-produce enough magnetic force to artificially imitate celestial forces and reset the magnetic direction of a patient. Mesmer himself played no small role in this process of mediation he functioned as its human operator, bestowed with the unique (but not sole) capacity to direct universal fluid into others through his own immensely potent animal magnetism. Given these properties, it seems the “fluid” of animal magnetism not only operated like a liquid, but also maintained some elements of light, air and electricity, all of which were being more formally theorized in the late 18th century.Īs a force theorized as both naturally abundant and uninhibitedly available, Mesmer's "all-penetrating fluid" was a means of transfer in the macro-mediation of universal harmony dubbed "animal magnetism". Bodies possess both negative and positive poles, which may be "communicated, propagated, stored, concentrated and transported, reflected by mirrors and propagated by sound" (Mesmer 55). Ebb and flow massaged this movement between the magnetic poles of human, organic and celestial bodies. This universal fluid was a fundamental apparatus of animal magnetism, and Mesmer theorized it as "quite without vacuum and of an incomparably rarefied nature, and which by its nature is capable of receiving, propagating and communicating all the impressions of movement" (Mesmer 54).
Mesmer details the mutual influence between the Heavenly Bodies, the Earth and Animate Bodies, suggesting a field of "universally distributed and continuous fluid" motivating organic life itself. I explained by this magnetism the periodical changes which we observe in sex, and in a general way those which physicians of all ages and in all countries have observed during illnesses (Mesmer 35)Īccording to Mesmer, the healing system of animal magnetism is founded on one essential truth: "that nature affords a universal means of healing and preserving men" (Mesmer 33). I named the property of the animal body that renders it liable to the action of heavenly bodies and of the earth ANIMAL MAGNETISM. I supported this theory with different examples of periodic revolutions. By these considerations I established that the animal body, being subjected to the same action, likewise underwent a kind of ebb and flow. I maintained that just as the alternate effects, in respect of gravity, produce in the sea the appreciable phenomenon which we term ebb and flow, so the INTENSIFICATION AND REMISSION of the said properties, being subject to the action of the same principle, cause in animate bodies alternate effects similar to those sustained by the sea. Mesmer elaborated upon these ideas in his 1779 dissertation, Mémoire sur la Découverte du Magnétisme Animal or Dissertation on the Discovery of Animal Magnetism, in which he asserts a fully formed concept of animal magnetism: Seeking gentler forms of treatment, Mesmer began experimenting with magnets, hoping to bring about an “artificial tide” in his patients.ĭissertation on the Discovery of Animal Magnetism Mesmer took up work as a physician, only to be dismayed by standard-and often painful-medical practices such as bleeding and blistering (Pintar and Lynn 13).
In this text, Mesmer used Newtonian physics to argue that the gravity of the planets influenced the human body and illness (Tinterow 31). Mesmer began generalizing a salutatory relationship between celestial bodies and human wellness in his 1766 Dissertation upon the Influence of the Stars on the Human Body. 3 Magnetic Poles, Magnetic Passes, and Mesmer as Magnetic Arbitrator.2.1 Blockage as a Crossroad for Classical vs.1.1 Dissertation on the Discovery of Animal Magnetism.1 Animal Magnetism: A System of Healing.
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