Science or Superstition? How Victorian London Was Mesmerised by Hypnotism
Published on 03rd May 2018
As part of The Old Operating Theatre’s ‘Life’ talks series, best-selling author Wendy Moore talks about her new book, The Mesmerist: the society doctor who held Victorian London spellbound, which tells the story of Elliotson’s battle to spread the word about mesmerism – hypnotism as we know it today – in the face of furious opposition. When Queen Victoria ascended to the throne in 1837, a strange new idea wafted across the English Channel from France: mesmerism. Maverick physician John Elliotson, whot trained and worked at St Thomas’ and Guys Hospital, was the only British doctor to take mesmerism seriously. He staged demonstrations on his patients at University College Hospital which created sensational headlines but ultimately brought him disaster. Doors will open at 6:30 pm. Book Tickets
