Joseph Ennemoser

Joseph Ennemoser (15 November 1787 – 19 September 1854) was a South Tyrolean physician known for his advocacy of Franz Mesmer's theories on animal magnetism. Born in Moos in Passeier, Italy, to poor parents, he was raised by his grandfather. Ennemoser attended high school in Merano and Trento before studying medicine in Innsbruck from 1806. During the Napoleonic Wars, he served as a secretary to Andreas Hofer and later joined the Lützow Free Corps, participating in battles such as Lauenburg and Jülich, where his unit was captured by the French.

After his release, Ennemoser turned to medicine, becoming a respected physician and gaining recognition for his expertise in animal magnetism. He held academic positions and authored several works on topics including magnetism, psychology, and medical theory. Despite his contributions, he remained relatively unknown in modern times. Ennemoser's life reflected both his dedication to medical science and his political convictions, as highlighted in various historical studies.

He died in Munich in 1854 and is remembered through a street named in his honor in Innsbruck. His works and legacy are documented in numerous biographies and scholarly articles, offering insights into his multifaceted career and impact on early 19th-century medical thought.