ウェブPhineas Parkhurst Quimby (February 16, 1802 – January 16, 1866) was an American folk healer, mentalist and mesmerist. His work is widely recognized as foundational to the New Thought spiritual movement. [1] Early life. Born in the small town of Lebanon, New Hampshire, Quimby was one of seven children and the son of a blacksmith and his wife.