“On Suggestion” by John Bostock, 1923: A comparison with twenty-first century understandings of the placebo effect

Abstract

Objectives This paper describes Australian psychiatrist John Bostock’s 1923 concept of suggestion and compares it to our understandings, in 2023, of the placebo effect. Conclusions Bostock’s 1923 article on “suggestion” gives us a glimpse of the history of Australian psychiatry. It also stimulates thought about the current understandings of the placebo effect. Now, as then, placebo effects can play a critical role in patient outcomes. However, careful consideration is required to ensure contemporary ethical standards are met and harm is not done.