This work traces the history of hypnotism from its beginnings as animal magnetism. It begins with a detailed description of Anton Mesmer's 1774 discovery and recounts the story of his life. The major alterations in Mesmer's theory made by a variety of early pioneers, including the supposed paranormal powers possessed by somnambulists, are then examined, with a fuller account of the tragedy of John Elliotson than has appeared elsewhere. James Braid's...