The study of magic Reginald Scot. The study of magic, particularly during the Renaissance period, was a topic of great interest and controversy. One of the most influential figures in this field was Reginald Scot, an Englishman who lived in the late 16th century. Scot's work on magic challenged the commonly held beliefs and practices of his time, and his book, "The Discoverie of Witchcraft," remains a seminal text in the study of occultism. Scot's book was published in 1584 and sought to debunk the myths and superstitions surrounding witchcraft and magic. He argued that those accused of witchcraft were often innocent victims of mass hysteria and persecution.
The chapter on magic tricks in Scot's Discoverie was plagiarized heavily, and constituted a substantial portion (in some cases, nearly all) of the text in English-language magic books of the 17th and 18th centuries.
Unlike the majority of 16th century works on the subject of witches and witchcraft, Scot s Discoverie takes a predominantly sceptical view and reveals how the superstitious public were often fooled by charlatans and frauds. Not just for summoning faeries, Scot instructed us how to play card tricks and other classic magician acts, such as How to deliver out foure aces, and to convert them into foure knaves, he shared.
He argued that those accused of witchcraft were often innocent victims of mass hysteria and persecution. Scot's work was groundbreaking in that it sought to provide a rational and logical explanation for alleged supernatural phenomena, rather than attributing them to the devil or other demonic forces. One of the main ideas in Scot's work is that magic is not inherently evil or demonic.
“Magic” and Magic: How One Politician Decided to Debunk Witchcraft
From its rare leaves, clear marginalia, and (somewhat hilarious) page-turning contents, The Discouerie of Witchcraft by Reginald Scot is a beautiful and unique item in the Library. We own three editions of this work: An original 1584 edition obtained through the Fund for Rare Books in 1916, a 1665 edition (the first reprint since Scot’s death) obtained through the same fund four years later in 1920, and the third is part of our Robert L. Sadoff collection from 1930, and is no. 294 of 1275 copies printed.
The Discouerie of Witchcraft starts with a disparagement of the idea of witchery, which claimed their supposed power– even without any credible witness– was an ignorant insult to God. Reginald Scot questioned their fortitude against “melancholie,” or mental illness, and he believed witchcraft to be superstitions from idolatry. Those who interacted with witchcraft, either the alleged perpetrators or the victims, were dismissed as “erroneous novelties and imaginary conceptions,” and those who trialed the (usually poor, intellectually disabled, and/or old) accused peoples were bad actors who “extort[ed] confessions by terrors and tortures.”
As it directly opposed the monarchy’s belief that witchcraft was real and dangerous, The Discouerie was printed without registry and never reprinted in Scot’s lifetime. In 1597, 13 years after the publishing, Scottish King James I wrote Daemonologie in response, where he sneered at Scot in the introduction–
“so farre as I can, to resolue the doubting harts
of many; both that such assaultes of Sathan are most certainly
practized, & that the instrumentes thereof, merits most severly
to be punished: against the damnable opinions of two principally
in our age, wherof the one called SCOT an Englishman, is not
ashamed in publike print to deny, that ther can be such a thing as
Witch-craft: and so mainteines the old error of the Sadducees,
in denying of spirits.”
Physician and Chemist Edward Jorden testified during the 1602 trial of Elizabeth Jackson, an elderly neighbor who was accused by teenager Mary Glover of bewitching her. He called her a faker suffering from Passio Hysterica, or hysteria. The judge was not convinced. However, it was convincing enough for the public and several advocates to free Jackson from death (she instead served a prison sentence and spent time in pillories).
The 1600s was a violent time of enlightenment from superstition and beliefs, with emerging skeptics amid feverous witch hunts. King James I ascended to the English throne and reprinted Daemonlogie in 1603, reemphasizing the governing position.
Scot decided to take a strange turn midway through the 16 books (or sections). He transformed the treatise into an extensive guide of summoning faeries, magic tricks and illusions, with the addition of celestial tables and magic circles. He made generous mentions of Sibylia, the “gentle virgine of fairies,” and insisted upon invoking the names of other faeries like Milia and Achilia to complete spells.
“This is the waie to go invisible by these three sisters of fairies.”
Not just for summoning faeries, Scot instructed us how to play card tricks and other classic magician acts, such as: “How to deliver out foure aces, and to convert them into foure knaves,” he shared. “How to tell one what card he seeth in the bottome, when the same card is shuffled
into the stocke,” and my favorite, “To tell one without confederacie what card he thinketh.”
“To cut off ones head, and to laie it in a platter,
which the jugglers call the decollation of John Baptist.” pg 352.
The entire e-text of The Discouerie of Witchcraft is freely available on Project Gutenberg. Highly recommended for those who are easily bored or need a faerie spell refresher.
Sources:
“The Reception of Reginald Scot’s Discovery of Witchcraft: Witchcraft, Magic, and Radical Religion,” S. F. Davies
“The Discouerie of Witchcraft,” editor Brinsley Nicholson. 1886 Reprint of 1584 edition, Gutenberg eBook.
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He argued that it is simply a natural part of the world, governed by natural laws. According to Scot, those accused of witchcraft were often skilled healers, midwives, or herbalists who were misunderstood and feared by the people around them. He believed that this fear led to the accusations of witchcraft and the subsequent trials and executions. In "The Discoverie of Witchcraft," Scot also described various techniques and illusions used by magicians of his time. He revealed the secrets behind popular tricks such as levitation, disappearing acts, and the production of fire. By doing so, Scot exposed the tricks of the trade and demystified the world of magic. Despite the controversial nature of his work, Scot's book gained a significant following and was highly influential in shaping the study of magic in the centuries that followed. His skepticism and rational approach to magic paved the way for later thinkers and researchers to explore the subject without fear of persecution. In conclusion, the study of magic during the Renaissance period was greatly impacted by Reginald Scot and his book, "The Discoverie of Witchcraft." Scot challenged the commonly held beliefs and practices surrounding magic and witchcraft, providing a rational and logical explanation for alleged supernatural phenomena. His work was influential in shaping the study of magic and occultism in the centuries that followed, and his contributions continue to be recognized today..
Reviews for "Secrets and Revelations: The Intriguing World of Reginald Scot's Magical Research"
1. Jane - 2 stars - I found "The Study of Magic Reginald Scot" to be extremely boring and unengaging. The author seemed more interested in listing historical facts and referencing ancient texts rather than providing practical tips and insights into the world of magic. The book lacked any sense of excitement or intrigue, leaving me disappointed and unimpressed. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for a thrilling and immersive read about magic.
2. Mark - 1 star - As someone who has always been fascinated by the art of magic, I was incredibly disappointed with "The Study of Magic Reginald Scot". The book lacked coherence and failed to provide any in-depth analysis. The author discussed various magical practices without offering any solid explanations or instructions, leaving me confused and frustrated. Moreover, the writing style was dry and monotonous, making it difficult to stay engaged. I would not recommend this book to anyone interested in learning about magic.
3. Amanda - 2 stars - "The Study of Magic Reginald Scot" turned out to be a letdown. While I expected an in-depth exploration of the history and techniques of magic, the book fell short on both counts. The author seemed more focused on discrediting superstitions and debunking commonly held beliefs rather than providing valuable insights into magic. This approach made the book feel more like a historical critique rather than an informative guide. The lack of practical information and the author's condescending tone ruined my reading experience. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone genuinely interested in studying magic.