And we thought we were the Clever Ones

In 1842, 43 Charles Dickens – conjuror extraordinary, and sometime scribbler of tales like Oliver Twist and Christmas Carol – saw Elliotson demonstrate Mesmerism – and immediately decided this was for him – and used it to ‘entrance’ anyone who stood still long enough. More than that he used the trance state when his kids were sick to aid in their recovery

In 1843 he was in Italy and his neighbour's wife was suffering from ‘ a nervous condition’ – so Dickens thought ‘why not’ With their permission he used Mesmerism – and then thought well let's try Hypnotism (not sure what he meant by that – but basically asking questions in trance). After many long sessions, and visible improvements ( he wasn’t the efficient hypnotist) she started to talk back. And talk about slights and perceived injuries she had received – which they dealt with and eventually she started to talk about the dark phantom that followed her everywhere.

She was getting better – but Dickens has planned with his wife – to travel South to Rome and Naples and Pompeii. So he reluctantly left – with instructions to let him know of all and any changes with the lady

At first, he wrote back instructions – but then thought – ‘why not do this at distance’ – which he did – and there were noted improvements

At one stage in his carriage with his wife ( who wanted nothing to do with this sorcery) – he thought well – I might as well pass this time – sending out some healing energy to the lady

After a while he noticed his wife’s muff fall to the floor

He had put her into a deep trance !!

This was the time of Braid, and before Esdaile, and 12 years before Freud was even born – never mind considered trance for therapy.

How many astonishing things are done by people we never hear about?

and we thought it was just us who were the clever ones

we always believe - before us was just history - after us is progress!!