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In this informative article on the origins of dynamic psychiatry, the author describes the difference between fluid magnetism practiced by Mesmer and animal magnetism practiced by de Puysegur. There is a pertinent and interesting description of social conditions in France circa 1785 and Ellenberger explains the differences between the aristocrat-peasant relationship and the later bourgeois relationship between owner and worker. He explains how the aristocrat came to be so involved in the development of magnetism as a rediscovery of one of the secrets of a 'primitive world' endowed with secret science and wisdom. The use of animal magnetism by de Puysegur, the aristocrat, on the peasant, Victor Race, is described. This is an account of hypnotism used as individual action-oriented therapy, not just a demonstration of trance and dual personality. A magnetized elm tree was part of the therapy and the author describes the importance of sacred trees. He tells how fluid magnetism was used by Mesmer on groups of aristocrats to produce 'crisis' which was similar to the popular malady, vapeurs. Mesmer was opposed to animal magnetism with individuals, used by de Puysegur to gain rapport with the peasant patient able to guide and correct the magnetizer.