(German)| Betrachtungen über den thierischen Magnetismum (1790) – Nicolas Bergasse

Betrachtungen über den thierischen Magnetismum (1790) by Nicolas Bergasse is a rare first edition German work on animal magnetism, mesmerism and the theories of Franz Anton Mesmer.

Originally published in France in 1784, Bergasse’s writings became part of the major intellectual debates surrounding Mesmer’s system of “animal magnetism” and the nature of healing, invisible forces and human vitality during the late eighteenth century. Although Bergasse initially defended aspects of Mesmer’s ideas, his views later contributed to disagreements within the mesmerist movement.

This German translation, published in Dresden in 1790 by the Electoral Court Printing Office, includes a translation by Johann Gottfried Bremer and a preface by Count Heinrich von Brühl. The work examines animal magnetism, the organisation of living beings, theories of motion and the philosophical foundations behind Mesmer’s system.

A significant historical document for collectors of mesmerism, occult philosophy, early psychology, medical history and Enlightenment-era esoteric thought.

Bibliographic Details:

Title: Betrachtungen über den thierischen Magnetismum

Author: Nicolas Bergasse (1750–1832)

Translator: Johann Gottfried Bremer

Publisher: Kurfürstliche Hofbuchdruckerei

Place of Publication: Dresden, Germany

Year: 1790

Edition: First Edition

Language: German

Original Language: German translation from French

Pages: 146 pages

Binding: Contemporary red paper-covered boards

Condition:

Very good antique condition. The original period binding remains present with light rubbing and signs of age. Interior generally well preserved, with expected age-related toning. A fine example of an eighteenth-century work on mesmerism and animal magnetism.