Jonathan Webster Papers, 1824 - 1849

Summary

Creator:
Webster, Jonathan Palmer
Abstract:
This collection contains the papers of Jonathan Webster, a mesmerism practitioner. The collection has no series and needs to be reprocessed.
Extent:
2 boxes .84 linear feet
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

Most of the Webster collection dates from the 1840’s when he was actively engaged in presenting lectures and demonstrations on mesmerism. Manuscript materials include his writings on mesmerism and phrenology, prospectuses with names of subscribers to the courses and record of payment, testimonials signed by participants in his courses, and a record book indicating places Webster practiced phrenology, amount of money received, and names of some individuals examined. There is also material relating to his career as an instructor of calligraphy, such as examples of his penmanship style.

The printed and published documents include broadsides and posters announcing lectures on mesmerism and phrenology, including demonstrations of painless dentistry. Some of the broadsides announce other practitioners, including Dr. Boynton and Louis De Bonneville. There is a scrapbook of news clippings about his courses on mesmerism, in addition to publications about various aspects of mesmerism, magnetism, and phrenology, including one he authored entitled, “A Treatise on Phrenology.” These publications date from 1824 to 1849, with the majority from the 1840’s. The collection has no series and needs to be reprocessed.

Biographical / historical:

Jonathan Palmer Webster (sometimes called “Dr.") was a mesmerism practitioner and hypnotist. Webster gave many public lectures, demonstrated experiments, and taught courses on these subjects, phrenology, and penmanship.

Acquisition information:
The Jonathan Webster Papers were purchased in June 1968 from Howard S. Mott Rare Books in Sheffield, Massachusetts with funds provided by Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Blatt.

Access and use

Restrictions:

There are no access restrictions on this material.

Terms of access:

Written permission must be obtained from the Oskar Diethelm Library and all relevant rights holders before publishing quotations, excerpts or images from any materials in this collection.

Location of this collection:
DeWitt Wallace Institute of Psychiatry: History, Policy and the Arts
Weill Cornell Medical College
525 East 68th Street, Box 140
New York, NY 10065, United States
Link to repository site
Contact:
212-746-3728