TH 13 presentation section 11- Pseudoscience in the 1800s

Pseudoscience In The 1800s 

Presented by Krysta, Dejah, and Helena

Our group will be discussing a few of the pseudoscience practices that were used in the 19th century. Specifically focusing on healing methods such as Homeopathy, Mesmerism, and New Thought Movement, our group will examine what these practices were and analyze how practices like these were able to develop. In his work Fantasyland, Kurt Anderson writes about what these practices were but does not explain why people within the US were so willing to partake in such unusual practices. In the article below, Robert Macdougall explores some of the ideologies that inspired these pseudosciences to become so popular within America. Additionally, we have written a few discussion questions that implore you to think of these pseudosciences in terms of today. Were these practices fluke occurrences that would not survive in modern society? Or can some of these magical properties still influence us to this day?

“Strange enthusiasms: a brief history of American pseudoscience”: http://www.columbia.edu/cu/21stC/issue-3.4/macdougall.html

Quiz Questions

1. In 1848 the Homeopathic Medical College founded in Philadelphia later became known as what University?
2. Who created the New Thought movement?
3. What medical treatment was Benjamin Brandreth known for?

Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think that “the people of the United States, like young birds in their nest, were holding their mouths wide open for something new”?
2. Do you think there are “miracles” similar to those in the 1800s that happen today? If so, what are they? Are they more influenced by religion than in the past or less influenced?
3. If you were to practice one of the pseudosciences mentioned in Fantasyland which one would you practice? Why would you choose that specific practice?