What was the Impact of notable sceptical publications on attitudes to witchcraft?
A Discovery of the fraudulent practices of John Darrel 1599
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 👤 'on the illusions of demons' 1563
Scot made clear connection between fraudulent cases and the catholic church ✅
Scot's Background 👤
From Kent
Gentry family
Had interest in magic and witchcraft
rationalist style of criticism in writing
argued that most supposed witches suffered from melancholia
those guilty - unable to cause harm themselves: mere tools of the devil
member of the family of love
radical protestant sect
traditional protestant and catholic practices (like baptism) 🚫
core belief = nature controls daily events on earth ❌ 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 👤
beer brewer
accused and acquitted in 1561,70 and 72
finally convicted in 1587: using witchcraft to kill a woman and cow
Background 👤
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
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John Webster's: The Displaying of Supposed Witchcraft 1677
Publication of Balthasar Bekkers: The enchanted world 1691