The Scientific Illusion of Victor Burq (1822-1884)

Victor Burq (1822-1884) is closely associated with a therapy named "burquism" by Jean-Martin Charcot, which was used in treating hysteria, especially hysteric anesthesia and paralysis, by applying metals, mainly copper, to affected zones. In 1876, Charcot, Luys, and Dumontpallier, commissioned by the Société de Biologie, issued 2 opinions validating the results obtained by Burq during the 25 years he dedicated to his research. From that point forward, the careers of these 3 famous physicians were lastingly reoriented toward the practice of hypnosis. This neo-mesmeric resurgence at the end of the nineteenth century can be considered the cause of an epistemological change that gave rise to "psychological medicine." During the repeated cholera epidemics in the mid-nineteenth century, Burq recommended preventive and corrective ingestion of copper, after observing that smelter workers were unaffected by the disease. The mechanisms of copper's anti-bacterial action have since been elucidated and legitimize Burq's anti-cholera campaign. Burq also advocated the ingestion of copper sulphate to treat diabetes. Current-day findings on intestinal microbiota and how these organisms influence blood sugar regulation support Burq's claims, considered far-fetched for many years.