What Is Mesmerism? and What Its Concomitants Clairvoyance and Necromancy? (1862)
71
What Is Mesmerism? and What Its Concomitants Clairvoyance and Necromancy? (1862)
And Harrison Bosworth and Harrison's "What Is Mesmerism?" is a valuable artifact for understanding 19th-century occult investigations, particularly its attempt to grapple with animal magnetism. The authors' commitment to factual reporting, even when discussing phenomena like clairvoyance and necromancy, is commendable for its era. However, the text's exposition can be dense, occasionally getting bogged down in the specific terminology of the period. A notable passage that highlights the work's strength is its detailed breakdown of the stages of mesmeric trance, attempting a systematic categorization of the subject's experience. Yet, its limitation lies in its inherent reliance on the scientific and philosophical understanding of 1862, which modern readers may find dated. The work serves as a crucial window into the intellectual landscape preceding more formalized occult movements, offering a raw, unvarnished look at early attempts to codify the esoteric.
📝 Description
71
In 1862, And Harrison Bosworth and Harrison questioned the nature of mesmerism, clairvoyance, and necromancy.
This 1862 examination by And Harrison Bosworth and Harrison offers a direct look into mesmerism, also called animal magnetism. The authors sought to clarify practices often surrounded by sensationalism and fear in the mid-19th century. They break down the main ideas, discussing the 'magnetic fluid' and how operators might induce altered states of consciousness. The book also tackles clairvoyance and necromancy, phenomena linked to mesmerism. It questions whether these abilities are extensions of mesmeric influence or separate, possibly darker, practices. The authors consider the ethical and spiritual consequences of such powers, debating their origins and potential for misuse during a time of growing spiritualism.
The text analyzes the proposed mechanisms for mesmerism, such as the manipulation of 'nervous fluid.' It addresses how susceptible individuals are to these influences, the different trance stages, and the possibilities for healing or control. Additionally, it examines the concepts of 'spirits' and 'mediumship' as they connected with mesmeric techniques, trying to distinguish between natural explanations and claims of the supernatural.
Published in 1862, this work is situated within the mid-Victorian fascination with spiritualism and the unseen. Mesmerism itself had a controversial history, facing scrutiny from scientific circles. This book represents an effort to categorize and understand these forces, balancing scientific inquiry with occult speculation of the era. It reflects a period when investigations into phenomena like séances and mediumship were common, attempting to frame mesmerism within a developing understanding of consciousness and hidden energies.
💡 Why Read This Book?
• Understand the historical framework of animal magnetism, learning about the proposed 'magnetic fluid' and its supposed transmission, offering a concrete view of pre-spiritualist occult theories. • Grasp the early 19th-century perspective on phenomena like clairvoyance, distinguishing them from mere illusion and exploring their alleged connection to mesmerism as detailed in the text. • Gain insight into the ethical debates surrounding mesmerism's potential for manipulation and healing, as presented in the book's discussions on operator influence and patient susceptibility.
⭐ Reader Reviews
Honest opinions from readers who have explored this book.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What was the primary goal of "What Is Mesmerism?" when it was published in 1862?
The primary goal was to demystify and explain the principles of mesmerism (animal magnetism) and its associated phenomena like clairvoyance and necromancy, which were often misunderstood or sensationalized in the mid-19th century.
How did "What Is Mesmerism?" differentiate between mesmerism, clairvoyance, and necromancy?
The book sought to establish whether clairvoyance and necromancy were direct outcomes of mesmeric influence or separate occult practices, analyzing them within the mesmeric framework of the era.
What scientific or philosophical concepts did "What Is Mesmerism?" draw upon?
It drew upon concepts like the 'animal magnetic fluid' or 'nervous fluid,' exploring theories of energy transfer between individuals and the nature of consciousness in altered states.
Was mesmerism viewed as a scientific or occult practice in 1862?
Mesmerism occupied a liminal space. While originating from investigations with scientific pretentions, by 1862 it was increasingly associated with occultism and spiritualism, a duality explored in the book.
What are the 'concomitants' mentioned in the book's title?
The 'concomitants' refer to phenomena that were often observed alongside or believed to be connected to mesmerism, specifically clairvoyance (seeing beyond normal sensory perception) and necromancy (communication with the dead).
Does the book offer practical instructions for practicing mesmerism?
While it explains the concepts and phenomena, the book is primarily an analytical and descriptive text from 1862. It focuses on understanding the theory rather than providing a practical guide for practitioners.
🔮 Key Themes & Symbolism
Animal Magnetism
The core of the work is the exploration of animal magnetism, a concept popularized by Franz Mesmer in the late 18th century. The authors dissect the theory of a universal 'magnetic fluid' that could be manipulated by an operator to influence a subject's nervous system. They examine its purported effects, the mechanism of its transmission, and its role in inducing trance states. This theme reflects a period where vitalistic theories of energy were prevalent, seeking naturalistic explanations for profound psychological and physiological changes.
Clairvoyance and Psychic Sight
The book directly addresses clairvoyance as a phenomenon often associated with mesmerism. It questions whether this ability to perceive distant events or hidden truths is a natural extension of mesmeric influence or a distinct psychic faculty. The text grapples with the implications of such perception, considering its potential for insight and its place within the burgeoning field of psychical research of the 1860s.
Necromancy and Spirit Communication
A significant portion of the work is dedicated to necromancy, the practice of communicating with the dead. In the context of 1862, this theme is intertwined with the rise of Spiritualism. The authors critically examine claims of spirit communication, attempting to correlate them with mesmeric phenomena and assess their validity, distinguishing between genuine spiritual contact and psychological or mesmeric suggestion.
The Mesmeric Operator
Central to the discussion is the role and influence of the mesmerist. The authors explore the nature of the operator's will and intention in directing the magnetic fluid and affecting the subject. This raises questions about consent, ethical responsibility, and the potential for manipulation. The text examines the psychological dynamics between operator and subject, highlighting the power imbalances inherent in the mesmeric relationship.
💬 Memorable Quotes
Direct passages from the work, attributed to the author.
“The fluid, invisible, and intangible, is the medium of communication.”
— This statement captures the fundamental belief in a subtle, energetic medium that facilitates the mesmeric connection. It highlights the mysterious nature of this 'fluid' and its crucial role as the invisible bridge between mesmerist and subject.
“Clairvoyance, if genuine, is but an extension of the mesmeric sense.”
— This interpretation suggests that the ability to see beyond normal senses is not a separate magical power but rather a heightened capacity unlocked by the mesmeric state, blurring the lines between different occult phenomena.
“The phenomena of the séance-room must be examined with caution.”
— This reflects a critical stance towards the often sensational claims made in spiritualist circles of the era. It advises a discerning approach, urging readers to separate verifiable occurrences from fraudulent or misinterpreted events.
“Necromancy stands on the precipice of suggestion or genuine contact.”
— This phrasing indicates the authors' struggle to definitively categorize communication with the deceased, acknowledging it could be a product of the subject's own mind (suggestion) or a genuine interaction with spirits.
“The will of the operator directs the subtle energies.”
— This emphasizes the active role of the mesmerist, positing that their focused intention is the driving force behind the manipulation of the 'subtle energies' that cause the mesmeric effects.
🌙 Esoteric Significance
Tradition
This work fits within the Western Esoteric Tradition's interest in vitalism and subtle energies, a lineage tracing back through Franz Mesmer and earlier theories of 'odic force' or 'anima mundi.' It predates the formalization of Theosophy but shares the era's fascination with hidden forces and consciousness expansion, acting as a bridge between earlier magnetist theories and the spiritualist movements that would gain prominence later in the 19th century.
Symbolism
The primary symbolic concept is the 'magnetic fluid' itself, representing an invisible, vital life force that connects beings and can be manipulated. Another motif is the 'trance state,' symbolizing a liminal space between the physical and the potentially spiritual or psychic realms, a threshold that can be crossed through mesmeric induction. The operator's 'will' also acts symbolically, representing directed consciousness and intent as a force capable of shaping reality.
Modern Relevance
Contemporary interest in neuroplasticity, consciousness studies, and energy healing practices can find echoes in "What Is Mesmerism?" Thinkers exploring the placebo effect, hypnotherapy, and the power of intention in therapeutic contexts may find historical parallels. It also informs studies of the history of psychology and the evolution of ideas about the mind and its capacities beyond the purely physical.
👥 Who Should Read This Book
• Students of 19th-century occultism seeking primary source material on the transition from mesmerism to spiritualism, providing a direct look at the terminology and concepts of the era. • Researchers of consciousness studies and the history of psychology, interested in early theories of altered states, suggestion, and the mind-body connection predating modern scientific frameworks. • Individuals curious about the historical roots of phenomena like clairvoyance and mediumship, understanding how these were conceptualized and debated before the formal establishment of parapsychology.
📜 Historical Context
Published in 1862, "What Is Mesmerism?" emerged during a period of intense interest in the occult and spiritual phenomena. The mid-Victorian era witnessed a surge in Spiritualism, with séances and mediumship becoming widespread. Mesmerism, or animal magnetism, had a preceding history, having been investigated by figures like the Marquis de Puységur and later met with skepticism from scientific bodies such as the French Royal Academy of Medicine in the 1780s. By the 1860s, mesmerism was often seen as a precursor or component of Spiritualism. This work engages with contemporaries who explored psychic phenomena, though specific mentions are scarce in this facsimile. The intellectual climate was also shaped by the rise of materialism versus vitalism, with mesmerism often positioned within the latter. Reception was mixed; while some embraced it as a gateway to the unseen, others, like the scientific establishment, remained deeply skeptical, viewing it as charlatanism or delusion.
📔 Journal Prompts
The concept of the 'magnetic fluid' and its transmission.
The distinction between mesmeric suggestion and genuine clairvoyance.
The ethical responsibilities of the mesmeric operator.
The historical reception of phenomena like necromancy in 1862.
The stages of trance as described by Bosworth and Harrison.
🗂️ Glossary
Animal Magnetism
A theory, popularized by Franz Mesmer, proposing a universal, invisible fluid that could be manipulated by an operator to influence the health and consciousness of another person, inducing states of trance or healing.
Mesmeric Fluid
The hypothetical subtle energy or 'vital fluid' believed to be transmitted from the mesmerist to the subject, acting as the medium for mesmeric influence and altered states of consciousness.
Clairvoyance
The supposed psychic ability to perceive events, objects, or information beyond the normal range of the senses, often manifested as seeing distant occurrences or hidden truths.
Necromancy
A practice or form of magic involving communication with the deceased, either by summoning their spirits for knowledge and prophecy or by raising them bodily; in this context, often linked to spiritualist mediumship.
Operator
The individual who performs mesmerism, believed to possess the ability to channel or direct the 'animal magnetic fluid' to influence a subject.
Subject
The person undergoing mesmerism, who is influenced by the operator's actions and the 'magnetic fluid,' often entering an altered state of consciousness.
Trance
An altered state of consciousness induced by mesmerism, characterized by increased suggestibility, detachment from the external environment, and potential access to heightened perceptions or subconscious material.
