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Hysteria and Enlightenment
A folder of 10 articles from the newsletter:
FERMENT
Author/Editor: Roy Lisker
Serialized in 10 issues from 1992 to 1993, this set of articles evokes the music, science, medicine and politics of Enlightenment Vienna , 1750- 1780.
The focus is on the cure of the hysterical blindness of the 17-year old piano prodigy, Marie-Therese von Paradis, by the man who brought hypnosis to the attention of European medicine Dr. Franz Anton Mesmer. This inspiring, tragic and beautiful story has been told many times. From its fertile soil the author reaps a rich harvest of insights into such matters as : the structure of perception; the distinctions between sight and vision; the processes of learning; the relationship of music and mental illness to the character of an age; the medical revolution of the 18th century; the turmoil of the historical watershed at the eve of the Industrial Revolution; the physician's dual persona as scientist and charismatic healer; psychiatric practice, then and now ; and many other related issues.
"Hysteria and Enlightenment" combines history with historical romance. At all times in its creation, the author's concern has been that scientific accuracy not overshadow the fascination and drama of the story, although scrupulously resisting the urge to falsify history for the sake of trite novelistic effect.
$20
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Roy Lisker 12 Frazier Ave. Middletown CT 06457
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