CHAPTER IX--WITCHCRAFT.

Distinctive Character of Witchcraft--The Sabbat 206

Origin in the 14th Century--Rapid Development in the 15th 207

Genesis of Belief in the Sabbat--The _Canon Episcopi_ 208

Discussion as to Delusion or Reality--Witch-Burnings 209

Congregation of 1526 deliberates on the Subject 212

Witch Epidemics--Active Persecution 214

The Suprema restrains the Zeal of the Tribunals 216

Enlightened Instructions 219

Auto-suggestive Hypnotism of confessed Witches 220

Conflict with secular Courts over Jurisdiction 222

Lenient Punishment 223

Retrogression--The Logroño Auto of 1610 225

Revulsion of Feeling--Pedro de Valencia 228

Alonso de Salazar Frias commissioned to investigate 230

His rationalistic Report 231

Instructions of 1614 virtually put an end to Persecution 235

Persistent Belief--Torreblanca 239

Witchcraft Epidemics disappear 240

Witchcraft in the Roman Inquisition 242

The Witchcraft Craze throughout Europe 246