In the early modern period, the accounts of witchcraft and experimental science were deeply intertwined. Although these two fields may seem unrelated, they both contributed to the emergence of a new way of understanding the natural world. The belief in witchcraft was widespread during this time, and it was commonly believed that witches had the power to manipulate the forces of nature through various rituals and spells. This belief led to the persecution and execution of hundreds of individuals, predominantly women, who were suspected of being witches. At the same time, a new approach to understanding the natural world was emerging. This approach, known as experimental science, emphasized the importance of observation and experimentation in the pursuit of knowledge.
Untitled when it appeared, a nineteenth-century editor dubbed it “A Witch Trial at Mount Holly.” The brief narrative describes the determined efforts of a mob in a small New Jersey town to find a man and a woman guilty of witchcraft after they had been accused of making sheep dance and hogs sing. In a normal proceeding only the accused would be tried, but in this one the accused cut a deal to put their accusers, also a man and a woman, on trial as well. The mob decides upon two tests. In the first the men and women will be weighed individually against a “huge great” Bible. If it outweighs them, they are witches; if they outweigh it, they are not. In the second test they will be cast into water. If they sink, they are innocent; if they float, they are guilty. The inclusion of the accused in the tests makes the proceedings less a trial and more an absurd experiment in which scales and water are used to detect virtue and vice. The tale is told by the sort of narrator who often appears in satire, an urbane, witty figure who coolly observes the action with an amused, tolerant attitude.
Although Franklin later befriended the preacher George Whitefield, a major figure in the First Great Awakening, he remained suspicious of the revival s enthusiasm throughout his life. The student s version, an interactive worksheet that can be e-mailed, contains all of the above except the responses to the close reading questions, and the follow-up assignment.
This approach, known as experimental science, emphasized the importance of observation and experimentation in the pursuit of knowledge. Scholars and scientists began to conduct systematic experiments to learn more about the natural world and to challenge traditional beliefs and superstitions. Interestingly, the study of witchcraft played a role in the development of experimental science.
Benjamin Franklin’s Satire of Witch Hunting
Advisor: Robert A. Ferguson, George Edward Woodberry Professor of Law, Literature and Criticism, Columbia University Law School, National Humanities Center Fellow.
Copyright National Humanities Center, 2014
Lesson Contents
- Teacher’s Note
- Background
- Text Analysis & Close Reading Questions
- Student Version PDF
As scholars sought to understand the nature of witchcraft, they conducted experiments to test the validity of various magical practices. These experiments often involved the use of natural substances and phenomena, such as herbs and potions, to determine their effects on the human body and mind. As a result, many of the early pioneers of experimental science were also involved in the study of witchcraft. They sought to separate fact from fiction and to understand the underlying principles behind alleged magical practices. These investigations helped lay the foundation for the scientific method, which continues to be a cornerstone of modern science. In summary, although the accounts of witchcraft and experimental science may seem unrelated, they were closely intertwined during the early modern period. Both fields contributed to a new way of understanding the natural world, with experimental science emerging as a means to test and challenge traditional beliefs about witchcraft. This historical connection highlights the dynamic and complex relationship between science and society..
Reviews for "An In-Depth Look at Witchcraft and its Influence on Experimental Science"
1. John - 2/5 - I found "Account of Witchcraft and Experimental Science" to be incredibly dull and boring. The author seems to jump back and forth between the topics of witchcraft and science without any clear direction. The book lacks a cohesive structure, making it difficult to follow and understand. Additionally, I felt that the author's writing style was overly academic and dry, making it hard for me to engage with the material. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and wouldn't recommend it to others.
2. Sarah - 1/5 - I was really excited to read "Account of Witchcraft and Experimental Science" as I have a strong interest in both subjects. However, I was sorely disappointed with the book. It was filled with misinformation and lacked any credible sources to support the author's claims. Moreover, the writing style was convoluted and confusing, making it near impossible to decipher the author's arguments. I found myself constantly questioning the legitimacy of the information presented and grew frustrated with the overall lack of cohesion in the book. I would not recommend this book to anyone seeking a thorough and accurate exploration of witchcraft and experimental science.
3. Emma - 2/5 - I had high expectations for "Account of Witchcraft and Experimental Science", but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The author seemed to have a clear bias against witchcraft, which heavily influenced the book's content. Additionally, the science aspect felt disconnected and lacked in-depth explanations. It felt more like a compilation of random anecdotes rather than a comprehensive exploration of the subject matter. I struggled to find any meaningful insights or valuable takeaways from this book. Overall, I was left disappointed with the lack of depth and coherence in "Account of Witchcraft and Experimental Science".