Общие разъяснения о магнетизме и сомнамбулизме как предварительное введение в систему природы

Наука. Искусство. Культура. 2020. Т. 4. № 28. С. 64–84.

Месмер Ф. А.

Translator: Vinkelman A.

The general Explanations of the Theory of Magnetism and Somnambulism as a preliminary Introduction into the System of Nature – one of the latest texts of Franz Anton Mesmer (1734-1815). 

Mesmer was a German philosopher, a doctor and the founder of a theory, which was called "animal magnetism", later sometimes referred to as mesmerism. The text was published in 1812, three years before the authors' death. In "The general Explanation", Mesmer summarized all the results of his medical practice and theoretical contemplations. He reflected on the development path and the difficulties he faced. Franz Anton Mesmer had a significant impact on German idealism. Mentions of him may be found in G. Hegel's and F.W.J. Schelling's works. Russian philosophy was also under Mesmer's influence. Danilo M. Vellanskij and N. Danilewski wrote several papers concerning Mesmer's speculations and his medical practice. However, there are just a few translations into Russian. Those made in the 20th century are loosely and sketchy. This one is a completely new one, with explanatory and clarifying remarks on the topic/subject.

Keywords: магнетизм, history of medicine, история медицины, magnetism, mesmerism, месмер