Richard Boylan - Hot Tubbing Not New
Written by David Bloomberg:
I wonder if Rich Boylan knew about this guy...
A friend of mine recently finished his Master's project (in History),
investigating the views of a physician who opposed phrenology and mesmerism.
I helped to edit his paper and came across the following, which describes
how Mesmer treated some of his patients. I immediately knew that I had to
share it with you all.
Here is what my friend said:
"After the start of the baquet treatment, Mesmer would personally treat
very excited patients, usually young females, in private rooms called Salle
des Crises. In this 'special' room he would provide personal attention to
sooth their worries and allay their fears. When questioned about the less
than virtuous nature of these special treatments, [an associate] admitted
that 'a woman in a high state of magnetic excitement, was not mistress of
her own actions, and was incapable of resisting any attempts on her
modesty.'"
(The quote is taken from David Meredith Reese, _Humbugs of New York:
Being a Remonstrance Against Popular Delusion Whether in Science,
Philosohy or Religion_, 1838, p. 53.)
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What makes this so interesting is the fact that the behavior continues on
well past Mesmer's days. - flr
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