The phony health craze that inspired hypnotism

In the 1780s, a charismatic healer caused a stir in Paris.

Scientific progress in the 18th century in Europe, a period known as the “Age of Enlightenment,” was demystifying the universe with breakthroughs in chemistry, physics, and philosophy. But medical practices were still relying on centuries-old treatments, like leeching and bloodletting, which were painful and often ineffective. So when Franz Anton Mesmer, a charismatic physician from Vienna, began “healing” people in Paris using an alternative therapeutic practice he called “animal magnetism,” it got a lot of attention.

Mesmer claimed that an invisible magnetic fluid was the life force that connected all things and that he had the power to regulate it to restore health in his patients. He was a celebrity figure until the King of France, Louis XVI, commissioned a group of leading scientists to investigate his methods in 1784.

Benjamin Franklin headed the commission, and they debunked the existence of the magnetic fluid in the first-known blind experiment. Mesmer was ruined, but “mesmerism” didn’t end there. The report also acknowledged that Mesmer’s methods were making his patients feel better, which they attributed to the power of the human imagination. This experiment ultimately laid the groundwork for our understanding of the placebo effect and inspired an evolution of Mesmer’s practice into something more recognizable today: hypnotism.

Further reading:
Mesmerising Science: The Franklin Commission and the Modern Clinical Trial, by Urte Laukaityte

Franz Anton Mesmer and the Rise and Fall of Animal Magnetism, by Doug Lanska

Note: The headline on this piece has been updated. Previous headline: Hypnotism evolved from a phony health craze

[jordengg]

This is also the origin of the word “mesmerize “ ! Very cool

[srirachanoodles]

The editing on this video which integrates old paintings and drawings with little animations is fantastic.

It’s really beautiful

[cbaputtinganamehere]

When Benjamin Franklin entered the story it was like a crossover episode lol

[DarkKnight-uzos]

I love that Vox is returning to explaining something interesting from showing all depressed news...

[kubilius]

It's nice to see a Lithuanian scientists on such big platforms as Vox

[wellesradio]

"Alternative medicine" hasn't changed at all. Still using the same old tricks. He even invented New Age music!

[ayuvelo]

This felt like part 1 out of a series about hypnotism, we need more!

[lekiscool]

Sometimes we just need someone to listen and care. That can be healing in its own right.

[__issamae]

is he where the origin of the word "mesmerize" came from?

[DyslexicMitochondria]

The editing in your videos is just..impeccable. Wish i could edit my videos like you guys

[pkingglazersout]

Anton Mesmer had found the greatest weapon ever and that is manipulating a human's mind into believing anything he wants it to be

[DK]

*sees last name is Mesmer*
Everyone: I think we know where this is going

[matthieurheaume]

for my taste, this is one of the best and most important video essays I've ever seen. 10/10 Vox, great work

[quinnfilmglasgow]

1784: “The scientific report was published and his reputation was destroyed”

2021: “The scientific report was published and his reputation continued to grow”

[SoulS]

Tbh i watch these videos not to learn anything new but to watch the beautiful animations and stuff. The way yall make videos is so unique and captivating.

[nottreblinka]

4:46 So this is what Professor Snape was doing during his Death Eater days

[nicktorr]

The first manned balloon flight was with hot air not hydrogen.

[tm]

This 'fluid'sounds a lot like chi from avatar

[Happy_Shopper]

So he granted himself a free pass to touch womens thighs. Smooth

[geronimopacis]

I seriously love this video in particular. The infographics are so on point