3. Animal Magnetism
In the late 18th century, Franz Mesmer introduced the world to animal magnetism. He argued that an invisible force flowed through all living things and that manipulating this energy could cure disease. Patients flocked to Mesmer for these dramatic “magnetic” treatments, even though no scientific evidence supported his claims. While animal magnetism was eventually debunked, Mesmer’s ideas laid the groundwork for modern hypnotism. Discover more about this fascinating belief at Britannica.
