Anton Mesmer, an early 18th century physician, purported to be affecting cures in patients by unblocking their flow of a bodily fluid he called "animal magnetism." In fact, any effectiveness of his methods was actually due to
A)undetectable magnetic fields.
B)chemically induced humoral balance.
C)mental telepathy.
D)the power of suggestion.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The effectiveness of Anton Mesmer's methods was actually due to the power of suggestion, also known as the placebo effect. Mesmer's patients were convinced that his techniques would work, and this belief in turn helped to alleviate their symptoms. While he claimed that his methods were based on the unblocking of a bodily fluid called "animal magnetism," there is no scientific evidence to support such a concept.

Anton Mesmer, an Early 18th Century Physician, Purported to Be