Historical overview of placebo research from Mesmer to modern neuroscience

Historical overview of placebo research from Mesmer to modern neuroscience The passage provides a general historical narrative about the placebo effect and mentions historical figures, but it contains no actionable leads, specific allegations, or connections to current powerful actors or controversies. Key insights: Describes Franz Mesmer's influence on Marie Antoinette and a French Academy commission including Benjamin Franklin, Antoine Lavoisier, and Joseph Guillotin.; Summarizes Henry Beecher's WWII observations on pain perception and his 1955 placebo article.; Outlines later scientific work on endorphins, placebo mechanisms, and Naloxone experiments in the 1970s.