Book Description

Hypnotism, Hysteria, and Epilepsy: An Historical Synthesis focuses on processes, advancements, and applications of hypnotism and studies on hysteria and epilepsy. The publication first underscores the influence of Franz Anton Mesmer on the spread of hypnotism, as well as the contributions of John Hughlings Jackson on the study of epilepsy. The book also ponders on the use of magnetism in Paris hospitals and lucid somnambule. The text takes a look at the developments in hypnotism, epilepsy, and hysteria in Germany, including the influence of magnetism on the intellectual life of the country, the Odylic Force, and the use of magnetism on Friedericke Hauffe. The book also expounds on the transition from magnetism to hypnotism. Discussions focus on phrenomagnetism, animal experiments, famous somnambulists, occultism and spiritualism, increasing use of fraud, and decline of magnetism. Speech and command automatism and artificial hallucinations are also discussed. The publication is a valuable source of data for readers interested in the relationships of hypnotism, hysteria, and epilepsy.