Étienne Félix d'Henin de Cuvillers (1755–1841) was a French magnetizer and an early practitioner of

mesmerism Animal magnetism, also known as mesmerism, is a theory invented by German doctor Franz Mesmer in the 18th century. It posits the existence of an invisible natural force (''Lebensmagnetismus'') possessed by all living things, including humans ...

as a scientific discipline. He's best known for coining the term hypnotism. Hénin de Cuvillers was a follower of

Franz Anton Mesmer Franz Anton Mesmer ( ; ; 23 May 1734 – 5 March 1815) was a German physician with an interest in astronomy. He theorized the existence of a process of natural energy transference occurring between all animate and inanimate objects; this he cal ...

(1734–1815). However, unlike Mesmer he did not believe in the existence of a "magnetic fluid" in

animal magnetism Animal magnetism, also known as mesmerism, is a theory invented by German doctor Franz Mesmer in the 18th century. It posits the existence of an invisible natural force (''Lebensmagnetismus'') possessed by all living things, including humans ...

, and instead emphasized the role of mental processes in

. In his book (''The Enlightened Magnetism''), he describes accounts of mesmeric effects in terms of belief and suggestibility. He is credited for popularizing a system of scientific nomenclature by using the prefix "" in words such as (hypnotic), (

hypnotism Hypnosis is a human condition involving focused attention (the selective attention/selective inattention hypothesis, SASI), reduced peripheral awareness, and an enhanced capacity to respond to suggestion.In 2015, the American Psychological ...

) and (hypnotist). He used these terms as early as 1820, and is believed by many to have coined these names. In 1820 he became editor of the (''Archives of Animal Magnetism'').

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Henin De Cuvillers, Etienne Felix De French hypnotists 1755 births 1841 deaths 18th-century French people 19th-century French people