Hont, Alfred d', known as Donato, Belgian magnetizer and hypnotist (1845-1900). Autograph letter signed ("Donato").

Paris, 12. IX. 1878.

8vo. 1 p. on bifolium.

 1.100,00

To an unidentified publisher, asking him to promote the new "Revue magnétique internationale" that was published by Donato and Hector Durville. Originally enclosed with the letter was an issue of the magazine and an advertisement: "J'ai l'honneur de vous adresser en même temps que cette lettre un No. de la revue magnétique internationale dont je suis l'inspirateur et à la rédaction de laquelle je prends une large part. En me rappelant l'accueil sympathique que vous avez bien voulu faire tant à ma personne qu'à mes expériences lors de mon séjour à Paris, j'ai pensé que vous seriez assez bon de vouloir consacrer quelques lignes de votre honorable journal à faire connaître cette revue de création récente. Et prévoyant le cas où le cas [!] vous ferait défaut, je joins ici une petite réclame dont la reproduction me serait infiniment agréable".

The bid to popularize the occult journal failed, and the publication was discontinued after less than a year in March 1879. Durville moved on to revive Dupotet de Sennevoy's "Journal du Magnétisme", which would be published until 1934.

Donato was a public and highly successful magnetizer and hypnotist working mainly in Paris. Today he is best known for his public conflict with the pioneering neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot. Although Charcot had discovered hypnosis for his neurological research in the late 1870s, he strongly criticized public hypnotists like Donato. A press feud ensued that lasted at least from 1878 until 1882.

Traces of folds.