Braid, James (1795-1860), was a British surgeon and researcher who investigated hypnosis. He studied suggestion and mesmerism (the name for hypnotism at the time) in the mid-1800's. Braid pointed out that hypnosis differed from sleep and that hypnotism was a physiological response in the subject, not the result of secret powers. He claimed to be able to use hypnosis to treat conditions such as paralysis and aphasia (loss of the ability to use or understand words). Perhaps Braid's most valuable contribution was his attempt to define hypnotism as a phenomenon that could be scientifically studied. Braid was born in Earlsferry, Scotland. He died on March 25, 1860. See also Hypnotism.