Modern Hypnotism begins with Friedrich Anton Mesmer (1734-1815).  It was he who expanded the principles of Animal Magnetism, a system of healing based on the belief that a magnetic readjustment of this allpervading, invisible fluid served to cure diseases.

 

In the mid-to-late 1800's Dr James Braid and Dr. James Esdaile brought hypnosis to the reputable medical forefront.  Dr. Braid is best known for coining the word "hypnosis" and Dr. Esdaile is remembered for his invaluable contribution to the field of Hypnoanesthesia.  Dr. Esdaile amputated limbs, removed diseased organs, performed delicate eye operations, just using hypnosis as an anesthetic.

 

At about the same time a remarkable man named Phineas P. Quimby was enjoying incredible successes in America.  He made discoveries, some of which have not been dreamed of by modern psychiatry.  He died in 1866.

 

A modern day pioneer was David Elman, who became an authority in the teaching of hypnosis and executing rapid inductions around the time of World War II.  Although, he had no advanced degrees and no scientific training, he restricted participation in his training courses to physicians and dentists.  His reputation spread quicly and soon made him the best known and most successful teacher of hypnotism of his time in America.

 

A permanent resurgence of hypnosis began when the need for rapid treatment of battle neuroses during World War I and II and the Korean War led to tremendous interest in hypnotherapy.  Since that time there has been a continuous flow of publications from that era leading to a steady rise of interest.