During the Victorian era, people were fascinated by the mysterious and the unexplained, and hypnotism—or mesmerism as it was often called—was at the top of the list. The idea of controlling someone’s mind and putting them into a trance was both thrilling and a little spooky, making it the perfect form of entertainment for Victorian audiences. Hypnotism shows became a sensation, drawing crowds eager to see the impossible unfold before their very eyes.

The Power of Mesmerism

The roots of hypnotism go back to Franz Mesmer, an 18th-century physician whose theory of “animal magnetism” laid the foundation for what we now call hypnotism. He believed that an invisible force could be used to influence and control people’s thoughts and behavior. While his theories were a bit out there, the concept of mesmerism caught on, and soon performers started using it to dazzle crowds with their abilities to put people into trances.

A Showman’s Dream

Victorian hypnotism shows were part science and part theater. Mesmerists, or hypnotists, would take to the stage and invite volunteers from the audience to come forward. In front of a crowd of gasping onlookers, the hypnotist would swing a pocket watch or use suggestive language to put participants into a deep trance. Once “under the spell,” the participants would follow commands, often engaging in strange or humorous behaviors—like barking like a dog, pretending to be invisible, or forgetting their own name.

The audience was captivated, partly by the mystery of it all, and partly by the hilarious antics of the hypnotized participants. These shows blurred the line between science and entertainment, making hypnotism a popular spectacle at Victorian parlors and public gatherings.

Hypnotism as a Social Sensation

Hypnotism wasn’t just about laughs, though—it was also viewed as a serious scientific curiosity. Some Victorians believed that mesmerism could be used to cure ailments or uncover hidden truths about the human mind. It wasn’t uncommon for doctors or researchers to study hypnotism in more formal settings, while also giving public demonstrations that thrilled crowds.

In fact, Dr. John Elliotson, a famous Victorian physician, was a major advocate for the use of mesmerism in medicine. He was known for performing mesmeric demonstrations in London, drawing in both scientists and curious onlookers.