In this groundbreaking work, James Esdaile describes his pioneering experiments with mesmerism (hypnosis) in the context of surgical operations in India during the mid-19th century. Esdaile's work, which predated the widespread use of anesthesia, shows how mesmerism could be used to alleviate pain and facilitate surgery in an otherwise primitive medical environment. Although his methods were controversial, Esdaile's work paved the way for modern anesthesiology and pain management.

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