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Print satirising Franz Anton Mesmer, 1784
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Print satirising Franz Anton Mesmer, 1784
Print satirising Mesmer, 1784. In 1779, soon after the publication of his treatise Memoire sur la decouverte de magnetism animal, Franz Anton Mesmer (1734-1815), the founder of Mesmerism, opened a consulting room in Paris. Considered by many to be a quack and charlatan, his tub and his ideas of animal magnetism were ridiculed. Frontispiece of a booklet. (London, 1784)
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Media ID 14840227
© Oxford Science Archive / Heritage-Images
Audience Balloon Deception Demo Demonstrating Demonstration Franz Jester Magnetism Mesmer Mesmerism Oxford Science Archive Quack Therapy Franz Mesmer
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print from 1784 is a satirical portrayal of the infamous Franz Anton Mesmer, the founder of Mesmerism. Mesmer's controversial ideas on animal magnetism and his unconventional methods were met with skepticism and ridicule during his time. In this image, we see Mesmer as a performer or jester, surrounded by an intrigued audience. He stands beside a large tub, which was often used in his demonstrations. The balloon floating above him symbolizes the inflated claims he made about his therapy. The engraving captures the essence of deception and quackery associated with Mesmer's practices. It serves as a visual critique of his mesmerizing performances that captivated people but lacked scientific evidence. Mesmer's consulting room in Paris became a hub for those seeking alternative therapies, despite being considered by many to be nothing more than charlatanism. This frontispiece from an 18th-century booklet reflects society's fascination with mesmerism while also mocking its absurdity. Today, this print serves as a historical artifact depicting one man's attempt to harness the power of magnetism for therapeutic purposes. While it may not have stood the test of time scientifically, it remains an intriguing glimpse into the world of 18th-century medicine and human curiosity.
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