Magnetism \Mag"net*ism\, n. [Cf. F. magn['e]tisme.]
The property, quality, or state, of being magnetic; the
manifestation of the force in nature which is seen in a
magnet. At one time it was believed to be separate from the
electrical force, but it is now known to be intimately
associated with electricity, as part of the phenomenon of
electromagnetism.
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2. The science which treats of magnetic phenomena.
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3. Power of attraction; power to excite the feelings and to
gain the affections. "By the magnetism of interest our
affections are irresistibly attracted." --Glanvill.
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Animal magnetism, Same as hypnotism, at one time believe
to be due to a force more or less analogous to magnetism,
which, it was alleged, is produced in animal tissues, and
passes from one body to another with or without actual
contact. The existence of such a force, and its
potentiality for the cure of disease, were asserted by
Mesmer in 1775. His theories and methods were afterwards
called mesmerism, a name which has been popularly applied
to theories and claims not put forward by Mesmer himself.
See Mesmerism, Biology, Od, Hypnotism.
Terrestrial magnetism, the magnetic force exerted by the
earth, and recognized by its effect upon magnetized
needles and bars.
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Animal \An"i*mal\, a. [Cf. F. animal.]
1. Of or relating to animals; as, animal functions.
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2. Pertaining to the merely sentient part of a creature, as
distinguished from the intellectual, rational, or
spiritual part; as, the animal passions or appetites.
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3. Consisting of the flesh of animals; as, animal food.
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Animal magnetism. See Magnetism and Mesmerism.
Animal electricity, the electricity developed in some
animals, as the electric eel, torpedo, etc.
Animal flower (Zool.), a name given to certain marine
animals resembling a flower, as any species of actinia or
sea anemone, and other Anthozoa, hydroids, starfishes,
etc.
Animal heat (Physiol.), the heat generated in the body of a
living animal, by means of which the animal is kept at
nearly a uniform temperature.
Animal spirits. See under Spirit.
Animal kingdom, the whole class of beings endowed with
animal life. It embraces several subkingdoms, and under
these there are Classes, Orders, Families, Genera,
Species, and sometimes intermediate groupings, all in
regular subordination, but variously arranged by different
writers.
Note: The following are the grand divisions, or subkingdoms,
and the principal classes under them, generally
recognized at the present time:
Vertebrata, including Mammalia or Mammals, Aves or
Birds, Reptilia, Amphibia, Pisces or Fishes,
Marsipobranchiata (Craniota); and Leptocardia
(Acrania). Tunicata, including the Thaliacea, and
Ascidioidea or Ascidians. Articulata or Annulosa,
including Insecta, Myriapoda, Malacapoda, Arachnida,
Pycnogonida, Merostomata, Crustacea (Arthropoda); and
Annelida, Gehyrea (Anarthropoda).
Helminthes or Vermes, including Rotifera,
Ch[ae]tognatha, Nematoidea, Acanthocephala, Nemertina,
Turbellaria, Trematoda, Cestoidea, Mesozea.
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