Mesmerism: miraculous medical cures effected by “animal magnetism” that passe through and between bodies
practicer would put patient in a trance and try to transfer the energy from one subject to the patient
believed that this process could cause the receiver to gain supernatural powers
Also at this time superstitions were believed and extremely respected. People were meticulous in certain acts like tying a lock of your hair to keep witches away, etc. The superstitions were firmly believed and part of everyday life.
A Large Belief in the 1830s - 1840s
At this time even though there were rapid advances in science, there was also an evangelical revival
Rise in christianity, but also in heterodox and millenarian cults
Created an environment for avid belief in supernatural powers and superstitions, forces and energies, ghost stories, and supernatural phenomena
