The history of hypnosis is as old as the human race. Even the most primitive savages were aware of this amazing psychological manifestation, and it was used in the mystic rites of their medicine men to produce fear and amplify belief in the supernatural and the occult.

With this long history of supernaturalism and mysticism, it is not surprising that the general public attitude toward hypnosis has been and still is one of antagonism, misunderstanding and fear.

The initial scientific beginnings in the study of hypnosis began with Anton Mesmer in 1775, from whose name originates the term mesmerism which is still in current usage. Mesmer’s utilization of hypnosis began with his discovery that specific types of medical patients responded to arm stroking and sleep suggestions. Mesmer put down these therapeutic results to the ‘quality’ of ‘animal magnetism’, and he came up with a theory that animal magnetism was some strange and peculiar cosmic fluid with healing properties.

Despite Mesmer’s excellent intuitive knowledge of clinical psychology, he had no vivid realization of the psychological nature of his therapy. Nevertheless, he treated large numbers of patients successfully on whom traditional medical procedures had failed. Unfortunately, his extreme personality and mystical traits of his therapy brought him unjustly to disrepute despite the fact that many physicians visited his clinic during the height of his success to learn one of the first lessons in the unknown art of psychotherapy, specifically, the importance of clinical psychology.