By Mike Mandel
A Hypnotist's Baffling Encounter
Last year, a friend of mine, an adept hypnotist with a wealth of experience, shared a story that rattled his understanding of hypnotism. His encounter with Mesmerism, an art form he thought he understood, left him both shocked and amazed. But let's delve into the origins to understand the full impact of his experience.
The Origins: Mesmer and Animal Magnetism
In the late 1700s, Franz Mesmer, a Viennese physician, discovered what he termed Animal Magnetism. Mesmer believed he could direct magnetic currents with his hands to heal patients. The process often led patients to experience violent convulsions, followed by a comatose-like state, known as the Mesmeric crisis. Upon awakening, many reported significant health improvements.
Mesmer's methods gained immense popularity, especially among Parisian aristocracy. However, his practices drew skepticism, leading to an investigation by a committee including Benjamin Franklin and Antoine Lavoisier. They dismissed Mesmerism as mere imagination, not magnetic currents. Little did they know, Mesmer had inadvertently stumbled upon primitive hypnotism.
The Resurgence of Mesmerism
Fast forward to the present, Mesmerism has seen a surprising revival. My friend, the hypnotist, while in Europe, encountered a Mesmerist eager to demonstrate this ancient art. The first attempt was underwhelming, lacking the convulsions and dramatics often associated with Mesmerism. However, the following day, the Mesmerist’s second attempt was nothing short of extraordinary. The volunteer underwent a dramatic Mesmeric crisis, leaving everyone, including my hypnotist friend, utterly astonished.
The Puzzle and Occam's Razor
Perplexed, my friend called me for insights. He believed that the Mesmerist and the volunteer were strangers with no prior knowledge of Mesmerism or hypnotism. How could such a reaction occur without actual magnetic powers? It was time to apply Occam's Razor, which posits that the simplest explanation is often the correct one.
Unraveling the Mystery
Rewinding to 1784, the Marquis de Puysegur's experience with Victor Race provided a crucial clue. Race, unfamiliar with Mesmerism, did not display typical convulsive reactions but instead entered a deep hypnotic state. This was the key - the lack of preconceived notions about Mesmerism.
Considering this, it became evident that the volunteer on Day 2, who initially knew nothing, had likely researched Mesmerism after the first demonstration. When he met the Mesmerist the next day, he was prepared, consciously or unconsciously, to exhibit the expected Mesmeric behaviors.
The Power of Belief and Expectation
This revelation didn’t necessarily imply deceit but highlighted the incredible power of belief and expectation. The demonstration, rather than validating Mesmerism, ironically underscored the principles of hypnotism. The real proof of Mesmerism would require a subject devoid of any prior knowledge or expectations, as was the case with Victor Race.
Final Thoughts
This tale is a fascinating exploration of belief and its psychological impacts. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, in our quest for understanding, we circle back to fundamental truths. The true test of Mesmerism lies not in dramatic displays but in its effect on the uninitiated and uninformed. As Sherlock Holmes might say, "Elementary, my dear Watson."