Report of Dr. Benjamin Franklin, and other commissioners, charged by the King of France, with the examination of the animal magnetism, as now practised at Paris

The translation presents a remarkably detailed record of the 1785 commission assembled by the French king to investigate the controversial practice of animal magnetism. Among the commissioners is Benjamin Franklin, whose scientific reputation lends weight to the inquiry, and the report unfolds the early experiments, testimonies, and the rigorous observations that marked the first official assessment of the phenomenon in Paris. Listeners will hear the atmosphere of curiosity and skepticism that surrounded the gatherings, as well as the careful way the investigators documented both successes and puzzling failures.

The introductory section traces the feverish debate ignited by Franz Mesmer’s claims, outlining how his ideas polarized European scholars, physicians, and the broader public. It recounts the heated exchanges between fervent supporters who hailed the method as a breakthrough and determined critics who dismissed it as charlatanry, setting the stage for the commission’s methodical approach. This early glimpse into Enlightenment‑era science reveals how a blend of philosophy, medicine, and social intrigue shaped the quest to separate fact from fiction.