The Tribune - Windows

Franz Mesmer
By Illa Vij

THE scientific development of hypnotism can be traced to the efforts of an Austrian doctor Franz Anton Mesmer. His theories may have been discarded but hypnotism has been accepted as a means to treat some disorders. The significance of mesmerism was realised about a century after his death.

Franz Mesmer was born in Iznang, Austria. He initially studied divinity and later, in 1766, obtained his medical degree in Vienna. On getting married he became financially quite well-off, so he did not need to begin his practice immediately. He wanted to study and understand the latest discoveries in geology, mathematics, physics and chemistry. He even wanted to learn music. His tall and dignified appearance along with his vast knowledge impressed people.

In 1774, Mesmer heard about the magnetic therapy relieving a lady of her illness. He studied this therapy carefully and found out that he, too, could produce miracles with it. Within a year, he became famous in Austria. But as he was gaining fame, he strongly felt that it was not the magnet but the magnetiser which was the wizard that restored health to people.

After 1776, Mesmer began practising suggestive and hypnotic treatment. He moved to Paris where he sought a new home. Within a few months, mesmerism (he called it animal magnetism) came into vogue. Aristocratic patients were drawn to it in large numbers. The hall reserved for treatment was prepared before hand. The windows were screened by curtains, so that the room was dimly lit. Thick carpets and wall hanging deadened any outside sound and mirrors were placed to reflect a golden light, astronomical signs were hung all around and a healing tub was placed in the middle of the room. The patients stood motionless and no word could be uttered. At a special sign, the ‘magnetic chain’ was formed. Each person was touched by his neighbour’s fingertip so that the stream of magnetism could pass from one body to another. Franz believed that a certain fluid penetrated all bodies and this fluid had a powerful magnetic effect. From another room, came the sound of music. Finally, Mesmer himself would enter, and calmly radiate tranquillity. He wore a lilac coloured robe and carried a little wand. As he passed from one patient to another, he enquired about their ailment, and then touched each patient with his wand. While doing this, he fixed the gaze of the sufferer with a look of his own. He passed by some patients without touching them. Instead, he merely circled around them an outline of an invisible aura. Many a time, the patients would break out in perspiration or scream or groan. Some were seized with convulsions while some suddenly declared themselves cured.

Gradually, belief in the magical influence of Mesmer’s treatment gained popularity and people began to look upon him with respect and awe.

But criticism and debates were not far to seek. Blows and duels became common in public places. What disturbed Mesmer the most was that his treatment had become more of a fashion and a source of gossip. In 1784, a French commission said that the magnetic fluids declared by Mesmer, did not exist. It said the feeling of getting cured was merely imagined by patients, and the whole process could be dangerous. A few years later, the French Revolution swept away Mesmer’s work and he had to escape to Switzerland to earn his livelihood. In the 19th century, mesmerism became a taboo. Few thinkers in France, Germany and England preserved Mesmer’s doctrine. A century later, however, the significance of his work came to be realised.

Uses of hypnotism

MODERN methods of hypnotism have helped scientists increase their understanding of the human mind and body, and normal and abnormal behaviour. Hypnotism is used in research; in medicine, particularly surgery and dentistry; and in psychotherapy Hypnosis has occasionally been used in legal cases.

Hypnotism has been the subject and a tool in many studies. Tests have been developed to measure a person’s hypnosis experience. Research into people’s susceptibility to hypnosis has shown that children can usually be hypnotised more easily than adults and that males and females can be hypnotised.

Some doctors use hypnosis as a sedative to soothe patients who are nervous or in pain. Some patients become less aware of pain with hypnosis, while others report no pain at all. Doctors may use deep hypnosis as a form of anaesthesia, so that patients will feel no pain while undergoing surgery or childbirth. Hypnotism has also been used to lessen the discomfort of patients recovering from surgery or other medical procedures.

Some dentists may use hypnotism as an anaesthetic. After the patient has been hypnotised, the dentist drills the tooth and fills the cavity. The patient remains relaxed and feels comfortable throughout the procedure.

Mental health professionals who may use hypnotism include psychiatrists, psychologists, and clinical social workers. Therapists may use hypnosis as the main focus or as a part of the treatment. Hypnotism may be used to calm disturbed patients. This treatment may help the patients to become more aware of their feelings, modify their behaviour, and learn new ways of thinking and solving problems. Psychological conditions that have been treated through hypnosis include anxiety, depression, phobias, stress and problem solving.

Hypnosis helps some people control or stop such problem habits as eating disorders and smoking. Hypnotism has been used to improve learning, reading, sleep, speech problems, sports performance, and behavioural problems.

Hypnosis occasionally has been used with witnesses and victims of crime. In hypnosis, people may remember important clues such as a criminal’s physical appearance or another significant detail that might help in solving the crime. Care must be taken to also obtain independent information as people can lie and make mistakes while hypnotised. Hypnosis cannot make a person give away a secret.

Dangers of hypnotism

Hypnotism can only be dangerous if it is abused. Only a qualified professional should practise hypnotism. Although many people can learn to hypnotise, the skill is not a substitute for training in medicine and psychology. People who practise hypnotism need sufficient education and experience to be able to analyse a condition, determine that hypnosis is an appropriate treatment, and evaluate the results.