Even the most educated could be tricked, brainwashed by charlatans

The recent expose on a pastor “coning” people of their money is not a new phenomenon and not the last! The scientific study of this phenomenon started just a little over 200 years ago and is entrenched in the modern English word “mesmerise”; derived from the name of Dr Mesmer, an Austrian trained medical doctor who later moved his practice to Paris.

He used water he alleged had what he called “Animal Magnetism,” which flowed from the water to the patient and improved their health. His practice was flooded beyond capacity. There were however, some people with an objective approach who demanded proof that what Dr Mesmer was doing was actually effective.