[The beginnings of alternative medicine in Hungary].

Abstract

Author gives an overview on the beginnings of the alternative medicine in Hungary, based on the articles of the first Hungarian medical journal, Orvosi Tár (Medical Magazine) published in the period 1831-1848. In the journal the following alternative methods were mentioned: folk medicine, magnetism (mesmerism), brownianism, broussaisism, rasorism, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, therapies of Morrison, Le Roy and that of the Slovakian healer, Ferenc Madva. Analysing the publications of the Orvosi Tár author assumes, that these therapies were widespread in the period mentioned above being their significance however not always equal. Folk medicine were applied practically everywhere in the countryside. Brownianism spread only on the turn of the 18. and 19. centuries in Hungary, though its popularity declined in the 20-ies. Mesmerism entered Hungary in the tens of the 19th century. The presence of magnetiseurs using methods of mesmerism could be documented still in the 30-ies and 40-ies. This method later was picked up by the spiritist movements. Homeopathy's career started in Hungary around 1820. Among the alternative systems homeopathy gained the greatest popularity in our country, especially in the 40-ies. This time the movement established its institutions, even homeopathic hospitals were founded in the country. Methods of hydrotherapy were frequently used by the public in the 1840-ies. This way of healing was accepted by the majority of conventional physicians as well. Methods of Broussais, Rasori, Morrison and Le Roy were probably lesser known in our country. They were mentioned exclusively in the period from 1810 to 1850. The so called life style reform movement developed significantly only in the second half of the 19th century.