ANIMAL magnetism, a term used in Christian Science, is thus defined by Mrs. Eddy on page 103 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures": "As named in Christian Science, animal magnetism or hypnotism is the specific term for error, or mortal mind. It is the false belief that mind is in matter, and is both evil and good; that evil is as real as good and more powerful." It is highly significant that this definition gives not the slightest reality to animal magnetism. Indeed, in the sentence immediately following the words just quoted Mrs. Eddy says, "This belief has not one quality of Truth."
Animal magnetism, then, as it is regarded in Christian Science, is "the specific term for error." But what is meant by "error"? To answer the question scientifically we are forced to consider the very fundamentals of being, the truths concerning God and His creation. What are some of these truths? Christian Science reveals that God is infinite Mind or Spirit, and that He is infinite good. It teaches also that since God is Spirit and infinite good, what are called matter and evil have only a supposititious existence; or, in other words, that matter and evil are unreal. The nature of "error" thus becomes plain. It is the false belief that matter and evil are real, that matter and evil have power to produce real effects; whereas God, good, alone is real, the only power whereby true effects are produced.
In reality there is no presence or intelligence but that of God; no power but the power of divine Mind; and this power is always good. As Mrs. Eddy says on page 102 of Science and Health, "Animal magnetism has no scientific foundation, for God governs all that is real, harmonious, and eternal, and His power is neither animal nor human." How wonderfully Christian Science glorifies God by acknowledging Him as infinite good! And how it exposes the unreal nature of all which in belief is opposed to the divine nature!
