Franz Freiderich Anton Mesmer

Franz Freiderich Anton Mesmer (1734-1815) was a German physician who is best remembered for his creation of "Mesmerism," a forerunner of hypnosis. This was derived from his belief, originating in his interest in astronomy, that hat there is a natural energetic transference that occurs between all animated and inanimate objects. He referred to this as animal magnetism. This belief continued through the end of the 19th century when it was further refined into the art and science of hypnotism.