Report of the Commissioners on Animal Magnetism

...existence becomes all the more difficult to establish through effects that would be demonstrative and whose cause would not be ambiguous; through authentic facts, upon which moral circumstances In the 18th century, "moral" factors often referred to psychological or emotional influences, such as the power of the patient's imagination. could not have an influence; finally, through proofs capable of striking and convincing the mind—the only kind intended to satisfy enlightened natural philosophers Original: "Phyſiciens." In this period, the term referred to scientists who studied the physical laws of nature..

By the ongoing treatment of diseases, or by momentary effects on the animal economy.

The action of Magnetism Referring to "Animal Magnetism," the invisible fluid Mesmer claimed could be manipulated for healing. on animated bodies can be observed in two different ways: either by this action continued over a long period and by its curative effects in the treatment of diseases, or by its momentary effects on the animal economy A historical term for the living body's internal systems and physiological functions. and by the observable changes it produces there. M. Deslon insisted that the first of these methods should be used primarily and almost exclusively; the Commissioners did not believe they should do so, and here are their reasons:

Reasons of the Commissioners for excluding the treatment of diseases.

The effect of a remedy is always somewhat uncertain. First Reason.

Most diseases have their seat in the interior of the body. The long experience of many centuries has made known the symptoms that announce and characterize them; the same experience has indicated the method of treating them. In this method, what is the goal of the physician's efforts? It is not to oppose and master Nature, but to aid her in her operations. "Nature heals the sick," said the Father of Medicine A reference to Hippocrates, the ancient Greek physician.; but sometimes she encounters obstacles that hinder her course, which consume her strength in vain. The physician is the Minister of Nature; an attentive observer, he studies her progress. If this progress is firm, sure, steady, and without deviations, the physician observes...