Robert Hanham Collyer

19th-century English physician and mesmerist

Robert Hanham Collyer (1814–1891) was a notable English physician and mesmerist, recognized for his contributions to the field of mesmerism and his involvement in the early history of anesthesia.

Early Life and Education

Robert Hanham Collyer was born in 1814 in England. Details about his early life and education are sparse, but it is known that he pursued medical studies, which laid the foundation for his later work in mesmerism and anesthesia.

Career

Collyer began his career as a physician, but he soon became interested in the practice of mesmerism, a precursor to modern hypnosis. Mesmerism, named after Franz Mesmer, was a popular alternative medical practice in the 19th century that involved the use of "animal magnetism" to heal patients.

Mesmerism

Phreno-Mesmerism

Collyer was an advocate of mesmerism and wrote extensively on the subject. He believed that mesmerism could be used to alleviate pain and cure various ailments. His work in this field was part of a broader movement during the 19th century that sought to explore the boundaries of consciousness and the potential of the human mind.

Anesthesia

Early history of the anaesthetic discovery, by Collyer, 1877

Collyer is also remembered for his contributions to the early history of anesthesia. In 1877, he published a work detailing the development of anesthetic techniques, which was a significant advancement in medical science at the time. His writings provided insights into the evolution of anesthesia and its impact on surgical practices.

Publications

Collyer was a prolific writer, and his publications include works on mesmerism and anesthesia. His writings were influential in spreading the ideas of mesmerism and contributed to the scientific discourse on anesthesia.

Legacy

Robert Hanham Collyer's work in mesmerism and anesthesia left a lasting impact on the medical field. Although mesmerism eventually fell out of favor as a medical practice, it paved the way for modern hypnosis and psychological therapies. His contributions to anesthesia helped establish it as a critical component of modern surgery.

Related Pages

• Mesmerism
• Anesthesia
• Franz Mesmer
• History of hypnosis