Franz Anton Mesmer

Franz Anton Mesmer was a German physician known for his theory of 'animal magnetism' or mesmerism.

Have a Question? Chat with Franz Anton Mesmer Pedia AI Character on Opedia
Profession :

Doctor

Birthday :

May 23, 1734

Star Sign :

Gemini

Death Date:

March 05, 1815

Age :

80

Birthplace :

Near Lake Constance, Germany

Franz Anton Mesmer (1734-1815) was a German physician and healer who developed mesmerism, an early form of hypnotism. He is best known for his work “Memoire sur la decouverte du magnetisme animal” (1779). Mesmer conducted public experiments on magnetism, delivered lectures on his theories, and established the Society of Universal Harmony. He claimed to have restored the sight of blind musician Maria Theresia Paradis using his mesmerism techniques. Between 1780 and 1850, Mesmer’s theories gained a broad following. A notable aspect of his work is the concept of ‘animal magnetism,’ which he believed to be a natural energy transfer occurring between all living and non-living objects.