Mesmerism and Masonry: early historical interactions.

During the early years of animal magnetism, the Mesmeric and Masonic movements in France frequently shared membership, philosophical positions, ambience, and ritualistic style. There was even a proposal to establish a blend of the two to be called Mesmeric Masonry, although nothing came of that. This article documents such interactions and notes that important Mesmeric figures including Mesmer, the Puységur brothers, Lafayette, and Gébelin, were also active Masons. Both movements were suppressed in France during the revolution, because they were considered to be threats to revolutionary goals.