Magic and Machines Magic and machines have long coexisted in human history, with each playing a unique role in shaping societies and advancing civilization. While magic is often associated with mystery and wonder, machines are synonymous with progress and innovation. Despite their apparent differences, both magic and machines share a common goal of harnessing and manipulating natural forces for practical purposes. Magic, rooted in ancient beliefs and traditions, is the practice of utilizing supernatural forces to create effects that surpass ordinary human capabilities. It has been practiced in various forms across different cultures, involving rituals, spells, and incantations. Magic has been both revered and feared, as its practitioners were believed to possess extraordinary powers and were able to influence the physical and spiritual worlds.
Magic has been both revered and feared, as its practitioners were believed to possess extraordinary powers and were able to influence the physical and spiritual worlds. In contrast, machines are mechanical devices created by humans to perform specific tasks. They are products of human ingenuity, designed to automate manual labor and increase production efficiency.
The demonization of witches in early modern Europe
From wise-women of the early modern era, via the witch-hunts of the inquisition, to the dawning of a more scientific approach to diagnosis and disease management, the RCP library collections inform us about the supernatural beliefs, political manoeuvring, and religious fanaticism that led to the death by burning of about 500,000 people – 85% of them women – between 1400 and 1700.
Women and the practice of medical care in early modern Europe, 1400-1800 by Leigh WhaleyIn Women and the practice of medical care in early modern Europe, 1400-1800, Leigh Whaley discusses the medieval role of the wise-woman, midwife and healer: a role that became discredited and conflated with the demonized figure of the witch in the early modern era. Whaley argues that this was part of a movement in which ‘a number of strategies were taken to eliminate women and other “popular” healers from the medical “profession.”’ The introduction of licensing and university education (for men only) was also part of a move from local healers to state sanctioned practitioners. The ‘Act for the Appointing of Physicians and Surgeons’ of 1684 condemned unlicensed practitioners of medicine as those ‘who try to cure with the use of sorcery and witchcraft…to the high displeasure of God, …most especially of them that cannot discern the uncunning from the cunning.’
In The medical man and the witch during the Renaissance, Gregory Zilboorg outlines the terrifying hypothesis of the malleus maleficarum, or ‘hammer of witches’. This was published sometime between 1487 and 1489, and led to a new era of persecution by religious forces of people accused of witchcraft, sorcery or heresy. The treatise is in three parts. The first argues that he who does not believe in the existence of witches is either wrong or a heretic themselves. The second part describes the different types of witches and methods used to identify a witch. The third part deals with the legal forms of examining and sentencing a witch. Some of the chilling headings in the second part include:
Of the way whereby a formal pact with evil is made; Here follows the way whereby witches copulate with those devils known as Incubi; How witch midwives commit most horrid crimes when they either kill children or offer them to devils in most accursed wise; How they raise and stir up hailstorms and tempests, and cause lightening to blast both men and beasts.
In other words, witches and former wise women were responsible for almost anything that might go wrong in medieval life.
Witchcraft and hysteria in Elizabethan London, by Edward Jorden and Mary Glover CaseIn Witchcraft and hysteria in Elizabethan London, Michael MacDonald discusses the contribution of RCP fellow Edward Jordan to the cause of scientific progress against superstition and the supernatural interpretation of disease. In his 1603 publication, Briefe discourse of a disease called the suffocation of the mother, Jordan introduces the clinical concept of hysteria. The main thrust of the treatise is an examination of the case of Mary Glover, who in a famous case in 1602 was allegedly bewitched by a London shopkeeper, Elizabeth Jackson. Elizabeth was found guilty at an infamous trial which presented conflicting evidence from a range of eminent physicians of the time, including John Argent , who was later president of the college eight times.
The RCP library contains print and electronic resources on the history of medicine, genealogy and health and social policy and well as some subjects – like witchcraft – that you might not expect. It is open to all, Monday to Friday, and the catalogue is available online.
Claire Sexton, collections development librarian
The books mentioned in this post are:
- Leigh Whaley, (London: Palgrave Macmillan, 2011)
- Gregory Zilboorg, The medical man and the witch during the Renaissance (Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1935)
- Michael MacDonald, Witchcraft and hysteria in Elizabethan London: Edward Jorden and the Mary Glover case (London: Routledge, 1991).
The RCP library contains print and electronic resources on the history of medicine, genealogy and health and social policy and well as some subjects – like witchcraft – that you might not expect. It is open to all, Monday to Friday, and the catalogue is available online.
Machines have evolved from simple tools to complex systems powered by electricity, serving diverse fields such as transportation, communication, and manufacturing. They have revolutionized society, shaping the way we live, work, and interact with each other. Despite their differences, magic and machines share inherent similarities. They both seek to manipulate natural forces to achieve desired outcomes. Whether it is harnessing the power of fire or controlling the elements, magic and machines alike rely on the understanding and exploitation of natural laws. Both magic and machines offer solutions to human needs and aspirations, albeit through different means. Additionally, both magic and machines have faced skepticism and resistance throughout history. Magic has often been seen as superstition or deceit, while machines have been met with concerns regarding their impact on employment and the environment. Nevertheless, the march of progress has prevailed, and both magic and machines continue to evolve and shape the world we live in. In recent times, the boundaries between magic and machines have blurred. Technology has enabled us to achieve feats that were once considered fantastical. The emergence of virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing has brought us closer to the realms of magic. These advancements blur the lines between what is possible through the manipulation of physical laws and what was once thought to be the realm of the supernatural. In conclusion, magic and machines, despite their apparent differences, share a common goal of harnessing natural forces for practical purposes. They have shaped human history, changed the way we live, and continue to evolve in their respective fields. As we delve deeper into the realms of technology and continue to explore the mysteries of the universe, the convergence of magic and machines may become even more pronounced, pushing the boundaries of what is possible..
Reviews for "Transforming magic shows with cutting-edge technology"
1. John - 2 stars - I had high expectations for "Magic and Machines" based on the hype and positive reviews, but I was ultimately disappointed. The story felt disjointed and underdeveloped, with too many plotlines and characters that were never properly explored. The world-building also lacked depth, leaving me feeling disconnected from the setting. Additionally, the pacing was slow, and I found myself losing interest multiple times throughout the book. Overall, "Magic and Machines" didn't live up to the hype for me.
2. Emily - 2 stars - I found "Magic and Machines" to be a confusing read. The writing style was choppy, making it difficult to follow the storyline and understand the motivations of the characters. The dialogue felt forced and unrealistic at times, hindering my ability to connect with the characters. The lack of clear explanations and world-building left me feeling lost and uninvested in the story. While some may appreciate the unique concepts in this book, I struggled to stay engaged and ultimately felt unsatisfied with the overall reading experience.
3. Sarah - 1 star - I couldn't get into "Magic and Machines" at all. The characters were flat and lacked depth, making it hard to care about their fates. The plot felt predictable, and I found myself losing interest early on. Additionally, the writing style was dry and lacked emotion, further detaching me from the story. Overall, "Magic and Machines" felt like a forgettable read that didn't offer anything new or exciting in the fantasy genre. I would not recommend it.