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.

           [1913 Webster +PJC]

   2. The science which treats of
         magnetic phenomena.
      [1913 Webster]

   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.
     
         [1913 Webster]

   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.
      [1913
         Webster]