Quimby, Phineas Parkhurst, 1802–66, American mental healer, b. Lebanon, N.H. He became interested in mesmerism and gave exhibitions of that art in New England and New Brunswick. He then turned to mental healing and gained a large and important following. Quimby is, however, best known through the controversy that later arose as to the influence of his thought and his doctrines on Mary Baker Eddy and on Christian Science. The problem is unsolved. Quimby's Questions and Answers appeared in 1862. His name and teaching remained influential long after his death.
See biography by A. B. Hawkins (1970).
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