I find it necessary to allude here to animal magnetism, as it is termed, or rather mesmerism (as it should be called, out of gratitude to Mesmer, its first founder), which differs so much in its nature from all other therapeutic agents. This curative power, often so stupidly denied, which streams upon a patient by the contact of a well-intentioned person powerfully exerting his will, either acts homoeopathically, by the production of symptoms similar to those of the diseased state to be cured; and for this purpose a single pass made, without much exertion of the will, with the palms of the hands not too slowly from the top of the head downwards over the body to the tips of the toes,(1) is serviceable in, for instance, uterine haemorrhages, even in the last stage when death seems approaching; or it is useful by distributing the vital force uniformly throughout the organism, when it is in abnormal excess in one part and deficient in other parts, for example, in rush of blood to the head and sleepless, anxious restlessness of weakly persons, etc., by means of a similar, single, but somewhat stronger pass; or for the immediate communication and restoration of the vital force to some one weakened part or to the whole organism, - an object that cannot be attained so certainly and with so little interference with the other medicinal treatment by any other agent besides mesmerism. If it is wished to supply a particular part with the vital force, this is effected by concentrating a very powerful and well-intentioned will for the purpose, and placing the hands or tips of the fingers on the chronically weakened parts, whither an internal chronic dyscrasia has transferred its important local symptom, as, for example, in the case of old ulcers, amaurosis, paralysis of certain limbs, etc.(2) Many rapid apparent cures performed in all ages, by mesmerizers endowed with great natural power, belong to this class. The effect of communicated human power upon the whole human organism was most brilliantly shown, in the resuscitation of persons who had lain some time apparently dead, by the most powerful sympathetic will of a man in full vigor of vital force,(3) and of this kind of resurrection history records many undeniable examples.
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(1) The smallest homoeopathic dose, which however, often effects wonders when used on proper occasions. Imperfect homoeopathists, who think themselves monstrously clever, not infrequently deluge their patients in difficult diseases with doses of different medicines, given rapidly one after the other, which, although they may have been homoeopathically selected and given in highly potentized attenuation, bring the patients into such an over-excited state that life and death are struggling for the mastery, and the least additional quantity of medicine would infallibly kill them. In such cases a mere gentle mesmeric pass and the frequent application, for a short time of the hand of a well-intentioned person to the part that is particularly affected, produce the harmonious uniform distribution of the vital force throughout the organism, and therewith rest, sleep and recovery.
(2) Although by this restoration of the vital force, which ought to be repeated from time to time, no permanent cure can be effected in cases where, as has been taught above, a general internal dyscrasia lies at the root of the old local affection, as it always does, yet this positive strengthening and immediate saturation with the vital force (which no more belongs to the category of palliatives than does eating and drinking when hunger and thirst are present) is no mean auxiliary to the actual treatment of the whole disease by homoeopathic medicines.
(3) Especially of one of those persons, of whom there are not many who, along with great kindness of disposition and perfect bodily powers, possesses but a very moderate desire for sexual intercourse, which it would give him very little trouble to suppress, in whom, consequently, all the fine vital spirits that would otherwise be employed in the preparation of the semen, are ready to be communicated to others, by touching them and powerfully exerting the will. Some powerful mesmerisers, with whom I have become acquainted, has all this peculiar character.
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SUMMARY
Introduction to Mesmerism (Animal Magnetism)
- Mesmerism, named after Franz Mesmer, is a therapeutic technique involving the transfer of vital energy from one person to another.
- It is often misunderstood and dismissed, but can have profound curative effects.
Modes of Action
- Homoeopathic Effect:
- A single pass of the hands from head to toe, without much effort, can produce symptoms similar to the disease, aiding in its cure (e.g., uterine hemorrhages).
- Helps distribute vital force evenly across the body, especially in cases like blood rush to the head or restlessness in weak individuals.
- Vital Force Distribution:
- Vital force is distributed uniformly through mesmerism, reducing abnormal concentrations in certain areas.
- Useful for restoring energy balance and aiding recovery with minimal interference with other treatments.
Targeted Healing
- Restoration of Vital Force:
- A powerful, focused will and touch can help restore energy to weakened areas (e.g., chronic ailments like paralysis or ulcers).
- This technique is effective for transferring vital force and promoting healing, even if it doesn't provide a permanent cure.
- Immediate Effects:
- Mesmerism has been known to immediately resuscitate individuals who appeared dead, showing the power of human energy transfer.
Important Considerations
- Concentration of Will:
- The mesmerizer's willpower plays a crucial role in healing, especially for chronic issues where concentrated attention is necessary.
- The hands or fingertips are placed on the affected area to direct the flow of vital energy.
Caution in Use
- Avoid Overmedication:
- In homoeopathic treatments, overuse of medicines can overexcite the patient, leading to dangerous outcomes.
- A gentle mesmeric pass can help calm the body and restore balance, often resulting in rest, sleep, and recovery.
- Limits of Mesmerism:
- Mesmerism can temporarily restore energy but is not a cure for deeper, systemic conditions like chronic dyscrasia.
Characteristics of a Powerful Mesmerizer
- Vital Force and Temperament:
- The most effective mesmerizers are those with strong bodily powers, a kind disposition, and a low sexual drive, allowing them to focus their energy on healing others.
- Historical Examples:
- Numerous cases in history have documented resuscitations and rapid cures performed by powerful mesmerizers, demonstrating the remarkable effects of this technique.
