Pluralism and dissent: Animal magnetism in debate in portugal in the mid-nineteenth century

Abstract

In mid-nineteenth century Portugal, alternative and complementary medical systems and medicine were discussed with relative intensity in the specialized press and in some mainstream newspapers. One of these medical systems, which gained ground during Portugal’s romantic era, seems to have sparked particular debate: animal magnetism. A comparative approach is taken to review the historical scope of this healing system, analyzing popular and specialized curiosity regarding this therapy. Finally, the literary and institutional disagreements that animal magnetism unleashed during the period are contextualized.