Cultic Studies Journal, Vol. 18, 2001, Page 142
Mesmerized: The History of Mesmerization in Victorian Britain. Alison
Winter. University of Chicago Press, 1998.
It is amazing how books on what appear to be unrelated subjects often cast light upon cultic
issues. Alison Winter‘s book, Mesmerized, gives a fascinating view of the interrelationship of
mysticism and science in the analysis of mind and the relationship of science and society.
Reaching out to understand hypnotic phenomena in the nineteenth century resulted in a
plethora of scientific and medical analysis undertaken in England by such institutions as the
Royal Society, The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, The Horticultural Geological
and Astronomical Society, The Zoological Society, The Statistical Society, The British
Medical Society, The Meteorological Society, The Medico-Botanical Society, The Royal
Institution, the National Gallery of Political Science, The Royal Polytechnic Institution, and
the numerous colleges and private anatomy schools and museums (pg. 33).
Explanations range from those trying to fit the phenomenon into old theories, such as
animal magnetism, to the development of new understandings relating to the effect of the
mind on the body. The book traces the interplay of the phenomena, which were
―unbelievable,‖ and the attempts to reconcile these phenomena, which were often viewed as
entertainment. Nonetheless, the study of mesmerism gave rise to new approaches to
medical treatment, such as the development of anaesthetic treatment and the psychological
exploration of the workings of the mind.
It should also be noted that the phenomenon gave rise to an analysis of the process of
―demesmerizing‖ (pgs. 299-300). Groups of mesmerizers asserted that only they, whose
training gave them expertise about very specific and delineated patches of nature, could
speak about issues that belonged to their ―territory.‖ Such a result undermined the power of
science by denying nature‘s accessibility to intelligent inquiry. Since the observed
phenomena did not fit into the emergent scientific disciplines, they were often ―abandoned‖
as areas of scientific inquiry. Sound familiar?
The widespread rejection of testimony by persons who are mesmerized made examination
complicated and, of course, there was much derogation of the persons participating in these
activities and castigation of their credibility. An interesting sidelight with obvious
contemporary relevance is a legal proceeding brought in the 19th Century against a
mesmerizer who was charged with ―kidnapping‖ a person because ―…the kidnapper had
done something to his mind that compelled him to accompany him without protest.‖ In the
trial an ―expert witness‖ demonstrated mesmerization and caused the complainant to obey
directions and disregard the directions of others. Regardless of the assertion that
mesmerization was not a recognized practice, the jury found the mesmerizer guilty of
kidnapping or, as the writer phrases it, ―mental theft,‖ because ―he had stolen the person.‖
He was sentenced to nine years imprisonment, but was later pardoned (pg. 205).
The development of the theories of relations between mind and body and the concept of
unconscious mental activity likewise rested upon understanding externally induced behavior
not compelled by physical force. Mental reflexes and the development of the theory of the
unconscious modified concepts of volition. Theories were advanced to explain trance
behavior as connected to external stimulation. Researchers concluded that the ―subjects‘
voluntary control over the current of thought is entirely suspended, the individual being for
the time (so speak) a mere thinking automaton, the whole course of whose ideas is
determinable by suggestions operating from without.‖ The similarity of these observations
to the arguments about the existence of ―brainwashing‖ without the use of threat of
physical force is self-evident.
The book is an excellent and well written narrative about the impact of mesmerization on
the understanding of the mind/body continuum. It also reminds us about current cult-

Cultic Studies Journal, Vol. 18, 2001, Page 143
related issues, the contest between science and pseudo science, the nature of power
wielded over a subject by a persuasive influencer, and the continuing debate over the
extent to which one can gain control over another‘s behavior without exercise of physical
force. The book reminds us that controversies over alleged ―brainwashing‖ did not begin
after the Korean War, but have a long and well-documented history that ought not to be
ignored.
Herbert L. Rosedale, Esq., President
American Family Foundation
Other Altars: Roots and Realities of Cultic and Satanic Ritual Abuse and
Multiple Personality Disorder. (1993). Craig Lockwood. Minneapolis, MN:
Compcare Publishers. 255 pages.
This volume describes its author‘s views on cult experiences involving ritualistic abuse and
associated mental health problems. The book takes an historical perspective and gives a
scholarly account of how a variety of cultures and religions in diverse geographic locations
dealt with issues relating to torture, blood sacrifice, and ritual abuse. The author relates
this historical information to ritual abuse trends in the 1990s.
The author says that
The label ―ritual abuse‖ is commonly applied to behaviors involving multi-
offenders, multimotive sexual abuse, torture, programmed mind control,
blood sacrifice, infanticide, or cannibalism, combined with symbols and
artifacts of spiritual belief. (p. 1 of Introduction)
Although the definition of ritual abuse varies greatly and is affected by culture, religion,
political climate, and history, the author stresses the abusive aspect of ritual abuse. He
distinguishes ritual abuse, then, from ceremonies, religious rituals, or other activities that
do not involve abuse.
A major theme of the book is that survivors‘ stories of abuse should not be dismissed, for
these stories often show many similarities of symptoms, feelings, and emotional states.
The author emphasizes the need to examine survivors‘ experience of disassociation.
Throughout history there are many instances of abused people experiencing disassociation.
The diagnosis of Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD), which became popular in the 1990s, is
a recent example of disassociation.
The author discusses many pertinent contemporary issues, such as false memory
syndrome, PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), repression, flashbacks, childhood
amnesia, false accusations, and, of course, dissociation and MPD. These issues are
considered in light of the conflicting view points among political groups, religious groups,
scientists, educators, families, victims or survivors of ritualistic abuse, and the health
professionals who treat them. The author concludes that we can conclude that ritual abuse
occurs, that victims‘ accounts may be factual, and that the problem of ritual abuse should
be taken seriously.
This volume is a history book. It is tedious to read, but is well written and detailed.
Although it is easy to get lost in the many historical events the author describes, we can all
learn something about the depth and breadth of the ritual abuse problem.
Marvin W. Clifford, Ph.D.
New Orleans, Louisiana