Can surgery be painless without modern anaesthetics such as ether, chloroform, or chemical sedation? The surprising answer is yes. Before the development of chemical anaesthesia, mesmerism was used to numb patients’ bodies, enabling painless surgeries. Mesmerism, which originated in Vienna, found remarkable success in colonial Bengal thanks to the groundbreaking work of Dr James Esdaile. Ghosal’s book, Mesmerising the Body, explores this unique chapter in Indian medical history, drawing on rich archival records, medical reports, and contemporary accounts. 

The book also explores how mesmerism transitioned from a medical practice to a topic of folklore in Bengali literature during the twentieth century. 

With its thorough research and engaging narrative, the book offers valuable insights into a fascinating aspect of medical history. This work is essential reading for historians, medical scholars, and curious readers interested in the intersection of medicine and history.