Annetta Seabury Dresser | |
|---|---|
| Born | Annetta Gertrude Seabury 1843 (1843) |
| Died | 1935(1935-00-00) (aged 91–92) |
| Known for | New Thought movement |
| Notable work | The Philosophy ofP. P. Quimby (1895) |
| Spouse | |
| Children | Horatio |
Annetta Gertrude Seabury Dresser (1843–1935) was an American writer and early leader of theNew Thought movement.[1] She became a "mind cure" practitioner, treating philosopher and writerWilliam James, among others.
She was born inPortland, Maine asAnnetta Gertrude Seabury. She later marriedJulius Dresser and they lived inYarmouth, Maine. For a time they were both patients and later among the "first disciples" of New England "mentalist"Phineas Parkhurst Quimby.[2] He used hypnosis in mind cures of illnesses and ailments.[1] His work influenced theNew Thought movement, of which both Dressers became part.
Annetta Dresser became a mind cure practitioner herself. Among her patients was the noted American philosopher and writerWilliam James, who had about twelve sessions with her in an effort to treat his insomnia.[2] He taught atHarvard University for many years.
Dresser later wrote about their mentor's work inThe Philosophy of P. P. Quimby (1895). She argued thatMary Baker Eddy, the founder ofChristian Science in the late 19th century, had borrowed from Quimby's ideas, although the younger woman also developed her own system of thought in her religious system. Dresser strongly supported Quimby's ideas over Eddy's.[1]
The Dresser's son,Horatio Willis Dresser (born in 1866), also became influenced by Quimby. In addition to becoming a minister, he wrote, edited and compiled several New Thought works, includingA History of the New Thought Movement (1919). HisThe Quimby Manuscripts (1921) were a compilation of Quimby's papers, released after the death of both Quimby and his son. William James treated Dresser's works respectfully in his own book,Varieties of Religious Experience.[2]
