BRAID, James.

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Neurypnology; or, the Rationale of Nervous Sleep, considered in relation with Animal Magnetism. First edition of the book that established hypnotism. Expanding on Franz Mesmer's theories of animal magnetism, Braid argued that mesmeric trances were not caused by channelling an occult fluid, but were a psycho-physiological state caused by manipulating the nervous system. The medical practices developed as a result of Braid's work constitute a major development in the history of psychology and psychotherapy.Braid's (1795-1860) interest in mesmerism stemmed from his attendance at a demonstration by French mesmerist Charles Lafontaine (1803-1892) in November 1841. The mesmerist movement had been established by the publication of Mesmer's (1734-1815) book Mémoire sur la découverte du magnétisme animal (1779) which detailed the discovery of a "universal fluid" that responded to magnetic forces and could be manipulated within patients to cure illness. The fluid could be transmitted inside people, animals, and objects, first through magnets and later through sheer will. The theory, although pervasive, was controversial; Mesmer's detractors condemned him as a theatrical showman, and many viewed mesmerism as a type of dangerous mind control that had contributed to the political crises of the late 18th century, including the French Revolution. Braid was amazed by Lafontaine's demonstration but was sceptical of its causes. He did not share the view that it was merely an elaborate hoax, no

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