Before the placebo effect Discussions on the power of the imagination in 19th century medicine - with perspectives to present discussions on the mind’s influence upon the body

Resumé

The use of the placebo and discussions on the power of the imagination in 19th century medicine will be investigated in this article. The 19th century is interesting since early discussions can be found on whether the power of the imagination and the mind’s influence upon the body should be used in medicine or if it should be avoided. Placeboes could already from the 18th century be used both to help but also to deceive the patient. Use of placeboes could initiate discussions on the power of the imagination and discussions on the power of the imagination could initiate use of placeboes. There were attempts to “professionalize” the use of the power of the imagination, but many found it difficult to control and it was feared it could induce diseases. In the article examples will be given of discussions about the maternal imagination, the effect of mesmerism, Perkins’ tractors, and homoeopathy. Perspectives from these discussions to modern discussions on the placebo effect and the mind’s influence upon the body will be described.