James Braid (IV): Braid’s Further Boundary-Work, and the Publication of Neurypnology

Abstract

James Braid (1795-1860), the natural philosopher, gentleman scientist, structured thinker, and well-respected Manchester surgeon, who, having defended himself, his theories, techniques, and practices from separate personal and professional attacks made by a cleric, a group of professional rivals, and a local surgeon in the first half of 1842, was forced to defend himself against yet another unwarranted, personal and professional attack from an erstwhile surgical colleague. This article deals with Dunn’s attack, its consequences, Braid’s successful defence, and Braid’s continuation of his ‘boundary-work’ through the July 1843 publication of his major work, Neurypnology. The context, history, nature, form, and content of Neurypnology is examined in some detail.