Pluralismo e dissensão: o magnetismo animal em debate no Portugal de meados de Oitocentos / Pluralism and dissent: animal magnetism in debate in Portugal in the mid-nineteenth century

RESUMO

Resumo Em meados do século XIX, em Portugal, discutiu-se, com relativa intensidade, medicina e sistemas médicos alternativos e complementares, quer na imprensa periódica especializada, quer em alguns jornais de cunho generalista. Desses sistemas médicos, que emergiram com vigor no Portugal do Romantismo, um parece ter gerado especial debate o magnetismo animal. O presente artigo, em perspectiva comparada, visa resgatar o alcance histórico desse sistema clínico, analisando a curiosidade popular e especializada em torno dessa terapia. Finalmente, contextualizar-se-ão as querelas literárias e institucionais que o magnetismo animal desencadeou no período.

ABSTRACT

Abstract In mid-nineteenth century Portugal, alternative and complementary medical systems and medicine were discussed with relative intensity in the specialized press and in some mainstream newspapers. One of these medical systems, which gained ground during Portugal's romantic era, seems to have sparked particular debate animal magnetism. A comparative approach is taken to review the historical scope of this healing system, analyzing popular and specialized curiosity regarding this therapy. Finally, the literary and institutional disagreements that animal magnetism unleashed during the period are contextualized.