Hi,

Hahnemann was a great advocate of mesmerism. He said it could be useful in calming the bad effects of aggravations, even at a great distance from the person. Mesmer used the words 'animal magnetism' to describe the methodology, though that term has a quite different connotation today. Hypnotism is really a poor word to describe what it is, or how it works because it is so much more than that. The essential thing about its use is that it is carried out "through the powerful will of a well-intentioned individual". Not a money-making, theatrical venture of rock concert proportions, or taking advantage of people's vulnerability!

Negative mesmerism is not 'bad' mesmerism. It is applying rapid negative sweeps over the person, or over a particular area of the body in order to discharge a build up of energy. Massage therapists usually know all about this. Polarity therapists especially, work with the positive and negative forces in the body's energy field.

Leela, what do you find childlike and simple about the 19th Century?

Regards,
Chris