Resources in Early American History
Mesmerism in subject [X]
Beyond Early America in topic [X]
Sorted by:  
Results:  2 Items   Page: 1
1Author:  Bruno, M. deRequires cookie*
 Title:  Essai metaphysique, physique et phisiologistique relativement à la découverte de M. Mesmer, 1786     
 Dates:  1786 
 Abstract:  This is a handwritten essay on Franz Mesmer and his claims to have healing and other metaphysical powers. Mesmer is today thought of as an early user of hypnosis. Throughout the 1770s and 1780s, he captivated French society. Marie Antoinette was particularly interested in his abilities. Finally, King Louis convened a scientific body in 1784 to examine the claims of Mesmer and his disciples. Benjamin Franklin, still in France as an American envoy, headed the committee, which debunked Mesmerism. The report can be found in the Papers of Benjamin Franklin and in the Diary of Benjamin Franklin Bache, both of which are at the APS.

View finding aid for a full description

 
 Call #:  Mss.134.B83 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Beyond Early America | Medicine | Natural history | Science and technology 
 Genre:  Manuscript Essays 
 Subjects:  Animal magnetism. | Hypnotism. | Mesmerism. 
2Author:  Vaughan, Benjamin, 1751-1835Requires cookie*
 Title:  Benjamin Vaughan Papers     
 Dates:  1746-1900 
 Abstract:  The Benjamin Vaughan Papers contain an extensive amount of correspondence and other documents. MOLE contains a detailed inventory of its holdings. Vaughan was a prominent figure in the revolutionary Atlantic. This large collection captures the complex and high profile life Benjamin led. He was born in the Caribbean but grew up in London. He became a friend of Franklin and his circle in London in the 1770s. During the War for Independence, he served as an emissary to the peace negotiations between the U.S. and British. He then spent a few years in Switzerland before emigrating to the United States with his wife. They settled in Maine, where Vaughan dabbled in speculation, farming, and other pursuits. His brother John became active in the American Philosophical Society.

View finding aid for a full description

 
 Call #:  Mss.B.V46p 
 Extent:  13.25 Linear Feet 
 Topics:  American Revolution | Beyond Early America | Colonial Politics | Diplomatic History | Early National Politics | Land and Speculation | Science and technology 
 Genre:  Diplomatic Material | Family Correspondence | General Correspondence | Maps and Surveys 
 Subjects:  Agriculture | Animal magnetism. | Architecture | Astronomy | Bowdoin College | Breeding. | Diplomacy. | Diseases | Dueling. | Electricity | Genealogies | Hallowell (Me.) | Manufactures | Medicine | Mesmerism | Meteorology | Notes | Plantations | Punctuation | Religion | Silk industry. | Slaves, slavery, slave trade | Taxation | Unitarianism | United States -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783