Satirization of Animal Magnetism, 1925

Satirization of Animal Magnetism, 1925

Entitled: "Nos facultes sont en rapport". The roles here are reversed: the Ass is hypnotized. In the background is a magnetic pharmacy with magnetized calves feet and head. Animal magnetism was the name given by the German doctor Franz Mesmer in the 18th century to what he believed to be an invisible natural force exerted by animals. He believed that the force could have physical effects, including healing. He tried persistently but without success to achieve scientific recognition of his theories. The theory attracted numerous followers in Europe and the United States and was popular into the nineteenth century. For about 75 years from its beginnings in 1779 it was an important speciality in medicine, and continued to have some influence for about another 50 years. Hundreds of books were written on the subject between 1766 and 1925. Today it is almost entirely forgotten. Animal magnetism is still practiced as a form of alternative medicine in some countries. Magnetic practices are not recognized as part of medical science. Illustration appeared in De arts in Caricatuur, 1925.

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