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What was the Impact of notable sceptical publications on attitudes to…
What was the Impact of notable sceptical publications on attitudes to witchcraft?
A Discovery of the fraudulent practices of John Darrel 1599
Background
:silhouette:
deeply suspicious of Boy of Burton case
had first hand experience of the case and was present at examination of Darrel and George
born in Essex into a humble family and got a degree from cambridge
was deeply religious as a young man
worked as chaplain in the case of john darrel to Richard Bancroft
Impact of his publication
Thomas Ady: A candle in the dark 1656
A Discoverie Of Witches
first major work of English scepticism
gave attention to dutch physician
Johann Weyers
:silhouette: 'on the illusions of demons' 1563
argued that most supposed witches suffered from
melancholia
those guilty - unable to cause harm themselves: mere tools of the devil
Scot made clear connection between fraudulent cases and the catholic church :check:
Scot's Background :silhouette:
From Kent
Gentry family
Had interest in magic and witchcraft
rationalist style of criticism in writing
member of the family of love
radical protestant sect
traditional protestant and catholic practices (like baptism) :forbidden:
core belief = nature controls daily events on earth :red_cross: god
showed contempt for catholic church
most were wealthy, high profile figures and still members of COE
number of
high profile trials
occurred in chelmsford before publishing
John Samon
:silhouette:
beer brewer
accused and acquitted in 1561,70 and 72
finally convicted in 1587:
using witchcraft to kill a woman and cow
John Webster's: The Displaying of Supposed Witchcraft 1677
Publication of Balthasar Bekkers: The enchanted world 1691