\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.
2. The science which treats of magnetic phenomena.
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.
{Animal magnetism}, a force, more or less analogous to
   magnetism, which, it has been 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.