Franz Mesmer (1735-1815) German doctor and philosopher. He published his main work: Notes on the discovery of animal magnetism in 1799. Working on the basis of a new theory to which he gave his own name (mesmerism), Mesmer began to magnetise his patients. His treatment involved passing his open hands lightly over the bodies of patients, from top to bottom; a form of medicine half way between quackery and psychological suggestion. Mesmer was cold-shouldered by orthodox practitioners of the day for his treatment methods.