Synopses & Reviews
An innovative, well-grounded explanation of witchcraft's link to organic illness, in which Ms. Carlson argues that Salem's victims suffered from an outbreak of encephalitis similar to the epidemic of the early 20th century.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 183-188) and index.
Table of Contents
The witch craze in Seventeenth-century New England -- The afflicted -- The response -- Mental illness and the persecution of witches -- The forgotten epidemic -- What happened at Salem? -- Alternative outcomes -- Could encephalitis lethargica return? -- Satanic possession and Christian beliefs.