Phineas Quimby described himself as a mind-healer. He also
has been called a spiritualist, mesmerist and philosopher. His work led to the
establishment of the New Thought Movement.
Quimby was mesmerized by Charles Poyen, a French mesmerist
who toured America in the 1830s. He felt that he could become a mesmerist
himself and followed Poyen until he had learned how to hypnotize.
Partnering with Lucius Burkmar, who was easily hypnotized,
the pair set out on a demonstration tour. Quimby was disappointed when mobs
formed to chase him from towns because the townspeople thought his show was too
much like witchcraft.
Mesmerism was known as a form of faith healing. Quimby was
featured as a healer in several scientific papers on the subject. One of his
students, Mary Baker Eddy used Quimby’s philosophy that disease was rooted in a
mental cause. This thought was instrumental in the founding of Christian
Science.
Interested in more about Phineas Quimby? http://www.nndb.com/people/269/000203657/
13 comments:
Interesting!
I bet not all towns where welcoming during those years. Very interesting.
Lucy from Lucy's Reality
Hi Kate, I'm here from the A to Z and you have a fascinating blog--I joined! ":)
Another interesting post!
Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
Interesting how the whole thing began. I wonder who first hypnotized someone? I can imagine how the action would be suspect. Witches were burned at the stake. He got off lightly.
Francene.
A - Z Challenge
http://francene-wordstitcher.blogspot.co.uk/
Hi Kate! I'm a new follower and I really like your blog. Interesting post about Quimby.
Sounds sort of like a huckster, but those were different times, to be sure :)
Left and Write
Phineas Quimby The name is wonderful, calls for a poem.
Thanks for stopping by over at my place
Thanks for the follow on my blog! Great to learn about a new person! Inspirefly
I remember my mom telling me about this. She used to be a hypnotherapist, so it was part of her study. Hypnotherapy, when used properly as a tool along with psychotherapy, is now a much more scientific tool.
#atozchallenge, Kristen's blog: kristenhead.blogspot.com
How interesting. I am terrified of being hypnotized, and I think that my mind is too skeptical to allow it. But I do believe that thoughts can bring up diseases. Like the bible says, as a man thinks in his heart, so is he.
Chontali Kirk
chontalikirk.blogspot.com
Hmm... good to know. Good post with interesting information.
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