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The Discovery of Witches

By Matthew Hopkins
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History - BritishHistory - Early Modern (c. 1450-1750)History - Religious

About This Book

The work takes the form of queries and answers in which the author defends and explains methods for detecting witches, describing examinations for devil's marks and teats, accounts of familiars and confessions, and practical criteria used to distinguish natural blemishes from marks attributed to witchcraft. It offers case examples from local investigations, explains observational and experiential bases for judgment, addresses criticisms about learning or diabolical assistance, discusses the behavior and nourishment of familiars, and outlines judicial and procedural practices used during searches and trials, grounding the argument in scriptural and experiential justification.

About the Author

Hopkins, Matthew portrait

Matthew Hopkins

Matthew Hopkins, often referred to as the 'Witchfinder General,' was an English witch-hunter during the English Civil War. He is best known for his role in the witch trials of the 1640s, where he led a campaign against alleged witches in East Anglia. His notable work, "The Discovery of Witches," published in 1647, outlines his methods and justifications for hunting witches, reflecting the intense superstition and fear of witchcraft prevalent at the time. Hopkins' actions and writings have left a controversial legacy, contributing to the historical discourse on witch hunts and the moral implications of his fervent pursuit of justice.

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