The Theory of Ergotism as the Cause of the Salem Witch Trials There are many theories about the beginning of the Salem Witch Trials that took place in the late 1600’s. The Salem Witch Trials were an outbreak of hysteria leading to the deaths of many who were accused of witchcraft. One such theory is the outbreak of Ergot on rye bread that the villagers use as a food source caused the girls who started the panic to have mass hallucinations and delusions (L. Annika). The theory is that the three girls who started the panic consumed the Ergot and started having hallucinations, the hallucinations could have been the cause of the girls behavior (L. Annika). Ergotism is involved in many plagues such as the Bubonic plague and the Holy Fire (“Ergot
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“This species was also the original source from which LSD was first isolated.” (“Ergot of Rye – I: Introduction and History”). The Rhine Valley was the first know outbreak of gangrenous ergotism, it was called the “Holy Fire” because of the burning sensation felt in the extremities of those affected (“Ergot of Rye – I: Introduction and History”). “The victims’ toes, fingers, arms and legs often became blackened as a result of gangrene, and would eventually die from the infection in these extremities.” (“Ergot of Rye – I: Introduction and History”). A very similar outbreak occurred in 1039, the same symptoms were recorded but the name of the plague was updated to St. Anthony’s fire because many were treated at a hospital dedicated to St. …show more content…
Once victims of ergotism began exhibiting symptoms of alkaloid poisoning of Ergot, people began to look for the “witch or witches” that caused this sickness and misery to occur.” (“Ergot of Rye – I: Introduction and History”). The witch trials in Salem are a very good example of how the people of colonial times looked at that which they did not understand. The judgmental people of Salem were glad to believe in witchcraft and start executing those around them that they did not like. The trials allowed for spectral evidence and familiar spirits to be taken into account when the people were being judged. This made almost every woman tried as a witch guilty because it was impossible to disprove the theory of familiar spirits. The theory of familiar spirits was that witches could project their spirits out into the world away from their bodies and cause harm to those around them (L.
“This species was also the original source from which LSD was first isolated.” (“Ergot of Rye – I: Introduction and History”). The Rhine Valley was the first know outbreak of gangrenous ergotism, it was called the “Holy Fire” because of the burning sensation felt in the extremities of those affected (“Ergot of Rye – I: Introduction and History”). “The victims’ toes, fingers, arms and legs often became blackened as a result of gangrene, and would eventually die from the infection in these extremities.” (“Ergot of Rye – I: Introduction and History”). A very similar outbreak occurred in 1039, the same symptoms were recorded but the name of the plague was updated to St. Anthony’s fire because many were treated at a hospital dedicated to St. …show more content…
Once victims of ergotism began exhibiting symptoms of alkaloid poisoning of Ergot, people began to look for the “witch or witches” that caused this sickness and misery to occur.” (“Ergot of Rye – I: Introduction and History”). The witch trials in Salem are a very good example of how the people of colonial times looked at that which they did not understand. The judgmental people of Salem were glad to believe in witchcraft and start executing those around them that they did not like. The trials allowed for spectral evidence and familiar spirits to be taken into account when the people were being judged. This made almost every woman tried as a witch guilty because it was impossible to disprove the theory of familiar spirits. The theory of familiar spirits was that witches could project their spirits out into the world away from their bodies and cause harm to those around them (L.