摘要
Within the scope of certain social and religious movements, mesmerism had a considerable impact on the Americanway of life during the last decades of 19th century. A famous example is the Christian Science of Mary Baker EddyBut also less known groups adopted mesmeric ideas and practices. The paper focuses on the concept of＂Karezza＂.It combined a specific sexual practice with religious ideas of divine love, birth control, social reform, women＇semancipation and health education. It was created by Alice Bunker Stockham （1833-1912）, an obstetrician andgynecologist from Chicago. Among other authorities, the writer Leo Tolstoy and medical psychologist HavelockEllis appreciated her approach. She was a pioneer of the sexual and marriage reform promoting practical advice foreveryday life. As a doctor, she stressed especially the disastrous consequences of a brutal sexual life destroyingbody and mind （not only of the women）. As an antidote, she propagated the ＂Karezza love＂ avoiding ejaculation ada punctual orgasm （climax） during intercourse. The leading idea was the imagery of a mesmeric ＂fluidum＂ unitingindividuals spiritually. Bunker＇s publications were translated into German. They corresponded to the Lebensreformmovement, but never became popular. Also the early sexology about 1900 ignored Bunker＇s concept as well as thesexual medicine later on. It is worthwhile to reconsider it within the context of the history of medicine, culture, andanthropology.
