Early Use of Animal Magnetism

The Marquis de Puysegur (1751-1825), a pupil of Mesmer's, used "animal magnetism" on a young peasant. He entered into a trance-like state while still being able to talk with Puysegur. He was also able to respond to suggestions Puyegur gave him. When the peasant returned to normal consciousness, he could remember nothing of what had just happened. Puysegur concluded that the will of the person as well as the operator's actions were important factors in the success or failure of the magnetism. Psychological influences were extremely important in the whole process.