Baron du Potet

Portrait of Baron du Potet

Baron du Potet
Born	Jules Denis du Potet de Sennevoy April 12, 1796 Brazey-en-Plaine, France
Died	April 1, 1881 Paris, France
Nationality	French
Occupation	Magnetizer, Occultist

Baron Jules Denis du Potet de Sennevoy (April 12, 1796 – April 1, 1881) was a prominent French magnetizer and occultist. He was a key figure in the development and popularization of animal magnetism in the 19th century.

Early Life

Baron du Potet was born in Brazey-en-Plaine, a commune in the Côte-d'Or department in eastern France. He was initially trained in medicine but soon became interested in the works of Franz Mesmer, the founder of animal magnetism.

Career

Du Potet dedicated his life to the study and practice of animal magnetism, also known as mesmerism. He conducted numerous experiments and demonstrations, gaining a reputation as a skilled magnetizer. His work attracted the attention of many notable figures of his time, including Honoré de Balzac and Alexandre Dumas.

Publications

Baron du Potet authored several influential works on animal magnetism, including:

• Manuel de l'étudiant magnétiseur (1829)
• Introduction à l'étude du magnétisme (1838)
• La magie dévoilée (1852)

These publications contributed significantly to the understanding and acceptance of animal magnetism in Europe.

Influence and Legacy

Baron du Potet's work had a lasting impact on the fields of hypnosis and psychotherapy. His methods and theories influenced later practitioners and researchers, including Jean-Martin Charcot and Sigmund Freud. Despite the controversies surrounding animal magnetism, du Potet's contributions to the study of the human mind and healing practices remain significant.

Death

Baron du Potet passed away on April 1, 1881, in Paris, France. He left behind a legacy of pioneering work in the field of animal magnetism and occultism.

See Also

• Franz Mesmer
• Animal magnetism
• Hypnosis
• Occultism