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Cover of An Essay on the Incubus, or Night-mare

An Essay on the Incubus, or Night-mare

Written by John Bond

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Nightmares

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About this book

"An Essay on the Incubus, or Night-mare" by John Bond, M.D., is a medical treatise written in the 18th century. This scientific publication delves into the phenomenon of sleep disturbances known as nightmares, exploring their causes, effects, and implications. It aims to provide a rational understanding of this ailment, which was often steeped in superstition and misunderstood during the time it was written. In this essay, Bond recounts his personal experiences with the nightmare and examines historical perspectives on the disorder, providing insights from ancient physicians to contemporary theories. He identifies various symptoms associated with the nightmare, such as oppressive feelings during sleep and sensations of immobility, which bond claims are tied to physiological responses, particularly involving blood circulation during the supine sleeping position. Furthermore, he explores potential cures and preventative measures, advocating for lifestyle changes and careful diet to mitigate the occurrence and severity of nightmares, thus blending empirical observation with 18th-century medical practices.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in An Essay on the Incubus, or Night-mare, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 4 hours
  • advanced
  • Analytical
  • Historical
  • Medical

John Bond's 1753 treatise, "An Essay on the Incubus, or Night-mare," stands as a pivotal work in the medicalization of sleep disorders, systematically analyzing the phenomenon of the incubus from a physiological perspective. Challenging prevalent supernatural and folkloric interpretations, Bond meticulously details the symptoms, explores a range of potential physiological causes such as diet, digestion, and posture, and proposes rational medical remedies. This essay represents an early and significant attempt to apply scientific inquiry to a condition previously attributed to demonic influence, thereby contributing to the nascent fields of neurology and psychiatry. It offers invaluable insight into 18th-century medical thought and the gradual shift towards empirical observation in understanding human ailments.

“"The Incubus, or Night-mare, is a species of Apoplexy, affecting those who are asleep."”

Key themes

Medicalization of Illness
This essay is a prime example of the historical process by which conditions previously understood through supernatural or folkloric lenses became reinterpreted as medical problems. Bond's work systematically argues for a physiological basis for the incubus, moving it from the realm of demons and spirits into the domain of medical science and rational inquiry.
Empirical Observation and Rationalism
The essay is a testament to the Enlightenment's emphasis on empirical observation and rational deduction. Bond meticulously describes symptoms, categorizes potential causes, and proposes solutions based on observable phenomena and logical inference, rather than appealing to dogma or tradition. His work exemplifies the scientific method in its nascent stages, prioritizing evidence and reasoned argument.
Mind-Body Connection
Bond implicitly explores the intricate relationship between physical states and mental experiences. While primarily focusing on physiological causes, he acknowledges how bodily discomforts (like indigestion or impeded circulation) directly lead to terrifying mental sensations and visions during sleep. This early recognition of physical states profoundly influencing subjective experience is a precursor to modern psychosomatic medicine.

Worth discussing

How does Bond's essay reflect the broader intellectual currents of the Enlightenment, particularly the shift from supernatural to scientific explanations of phenomena?

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