James Braid facts for kids
James Braid (born 1795, died 1860) was a Scottish surgeon. He was also a pioneer in the study of hypnotism. He was born in a place called Portmoak in Scotland. He later passed away in Chorlton-on-Medlock, Manchester, after an illness.
Understanding Hypnotism
In 1841, James Braid watched a show by Charles Lafontaine. Lafontaine was demonstrating something called "mesmerism." This show made Braid curious. He decided to study mesmerism himself.
Braid believed that the trance-like state people entered was a state of mind. He called this state "hypnotism." He said it was not caused by any special "mesmeric fluid" or "animal magnetism." Instead, he thought a person could enter a hypnotic state by staring at a small, bright object.
Hypnosis and the Mind
When someone was in a hypnotic state, Braid found they could be given suggestions. They often did not remember these suggestions when they woke up. He also noticed changes in their pulse and blood circulation. Braid thought these changes might help cure some illnesses. He began to use hypnotism and suggestions to treat his patients.
Later, a group of doctors in Paris continued Braid's work. They were known as "Braidists." A neurologist named J. M. Charcot led them. Their studies helped make hypnotism a respected scientific topic.
James Braid's Books
James Braid wrote several important books and articles about his research. These writings shared his ideas with others.
- Neurypnology, or, The Rationale of Nervous Sleep (1843). This book explained his ideas about nervous sleep.
- The Power of the Mind over the Body (1846). This work explored how the mind can influence the body.
- Magic, Witchcraft, Animal Magnetism, Hypnotism, and Electro-Biology (1852). In this book, he discussed different beliefs and his scientific views.
- Hypnotic Therapeutics, Illustrated by Cases (1853). This book showed how hypnotism could be used to help people, with examples.
