“They controlled the currents by guiding them with their will-power. The wonders were both of a physical and a psychological character; the former embracing effects produced upon material objects, the latter the mental phenomena of Mesmer and his successors… Mesmerism is the most important branch of magic; and its phenomena are the effects of the…

a·poth·e·o·sis noun The period of the French & American Revolutions has been donned by scholars “the illuminated century.” (Rousseau And Revolution, Will & Ariel Durant) Technology was beginning to change the narrative about mans relationship to nature and to god. The recent invention of hot air balloons was perceived as a symbol for the apotheosis…

When researching for this article I asked a friend what comes to mind when I say the word “Mesmerism.” He said “being hypnotized, like being under a spell.” This response reflects the common understanding of Mesmerism, I imagine that most people would have a similar answer. What is not as commonly known is who this…