-Carlos Vallbona
Is pseudoscientific quackery using magnets still in existence as it was in Mesmer's time? Well, if we look for applications that were of the kind early in Mesmer's career, that is, the claim that the application of magnetic force from without rather than the rebalancing of internal dynamic animal forces is the process, then it seems so (woof that was a long sentence). In any case it is easy to find oneself a magnetic bracelet or other trinket to be used to reduce arthritic pain. Most magnetoquacks (am I showing a bias here) cite research, most frequently a study by Vallbona (1997) at Baylor University published in Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. See a non-critical review of magnetotherapy at this site and a more critical review from one of my favorite critical thinkers, Cecil Adams of the Straight Dope.
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