| 释义 |
mesmerism|ˈmɛzmərɪz(ə)m|
[f. name of F.A. Mesmer, an Austrian physician (1734-1815) + -ism. Cf. F. mesmérisme.]
The doctrine or system, popularized by Mesmer, according to which a hypnotic state, usually accompanied by insensibility to pain and muscular rigidity, can be induced by an influence (at first known as ‘animal magnetism’) exercised by an operator over the will and nervous system of the patient. b. The process or practice of inducing such hypnotic state; the state so induced. c. The influence supposed to operate. Cf. animal magnetism (animal C. 1), magnetism 3.
1802Acerbi Trav. I. 89 One subject on which the Duke..has been charged with weakness, namely, mesmerism, or animal magnetism. 1829R. Chenevix in Lond. Med. & Phys. Jrnl. VI. 223 The touch of my finger..roused her from her state of mesmerism. 1844E. FitzGerald Lett. (1889) I. 142 And Miss Martineau has been cured of an illness of five years by Mesmerism! 1883‘Ouida’ Wanda I. 300 You believe in mesmerism and disbelieve in God. |