The spelling of "animal magnetism" is not straightforward when using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable is pronounced /ˈænəməl/ which is usual, but the second syllable is tricky. It is pronounced /mæɡnətɪzəm/ not /mæɡnɪtɪzəm/. The difference lies in the vowel sound before the "t". "AnimaL MAGnetism" is a common phenomenon where a person has a natural charisma that attracts others. Despite its peculiar spelling, animal magnetism remains an interesting concept in the field of psychology.
Animal magnetism refers to the 18th-century concept and pseudoscientific practice of mesmerism, a healing technique attributed to the Austrian physician Franz Mesmer. The term is rooted in the belief that there exists an invisible natural force or energy that enables a mesmerist to exert influence over animal and human beings. This energy, commonly referred to as "animal magnetism," is believed to flow within and between all animate beings. It is suggested that a mesmerist possesses the ability to employ and manipulate this force for the purpose of healing, inducing trance states, or influencing the behavior and emotions of individuals.
Animal magnetism aims to restore balance and harmony within the body by remotely manipulating the vital energy believed to be responsible for health and well-being. Practitioners of animal magnetism use techniques such as passes, laying on of hands, and audible commands to convey this healing energy to their subjects. Despite its widespread popularity during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, animal magnetism eventually lost credibility and recognition within the medical community due to its lack of scientific evidence and its association with occult practices.
Today, the term "animal magnetism" is often used more broadly to describe a captivating or attractive quality that some individuals possess, which seems to exert an inexplicable power of attraction over others. It is frequently employed metaphorically to describe someone's charm, charisma, or persuasive ability.
The term "animal magnetism" was coined by the German physician and healer Franz Anton Mesmer in the late 18th century. Mesmer developed a theory and practice of healing which he believed was based on an invisible substance or force that he called "animal magnetism".
The word "animal" in "animal magnetism" refers to living beings, specifically humans, who were thought to possess this magnetic force. The word "magnetism" comes from the Latin word "magnetismus" and the Greek word "magnētismós", both of which stem from the term "magnēs", meaning "magnet".
Mesmer proposed that this energy, or magnetism, flowed through the human body, and imbalances or blockages in this flow were responsible for various physical and mental ailments. He believed that he could manipulate this force to induce healing or alleviate symptoms.