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Ergotism is a condition caused by the ergot fungus. This grows on grains and causes hallucinations, convulsion, paranoia, and mania. Before people had the technology to store most food safely, stored grain would be contaminated by this fungus, and everyone who ate it would get sick without knowing why.
In 1976 Linda Caporael published an article in Science magazine which speculated that the Salem witch trials were actually due to ergot poisoning in the village. The symptoms that the Salem villagers described as being the result of witchcraft were some of the same symptoms that you get from eating ergot.
What else can I help you with?
What illness did St. Anthony of Padua die of?
St. Anthony of Padua died of ergotism. Also known as ergot poisoning, ergotism has been suggested as the cause of symptoms formerly attributed to witchcraft.
Connections between ergot and Salem witch-hunting?
There is speculation that the outbreak of ergotism - a condition caused by consuming rye contaminated with ergot fungus - may have played a role in the Salem witch trials. Ergotism can cause hallucinations, convulsions, and other symptoms that could have been attributed to "witchcraft" during that time. However, there is no concrete evidence to support this theory and other social, religious, and political factors likely played a larger role in the witch-hunting hysteria.
What actors and actresses appeared in Ergotism - 2008?
The cast of Ergotism - 2008 includes: Jacob Tomuri as Mat David Van Horn as Shotgun
Explain ergotism and its relation to the unusual behaviors diplayed by those possessed?
Ergotism is a disease caused by eating rye grain (or bread made from it) which has been contaminated by the rye ergot fungus, which contains a small amount of the psycho-active chemical LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide). This alters normal brain function, and can cause what looks like insanity or demonic possession.
What is a disease caused by a fungus that infects rye?
Ergotism is a disease caused by a fungus called Claviceps purpurea that infects rye. Ingesting rye contaminated with this fungus can lead to symptoms such as hallucinations, convulsions, and gangrene.
What poison drove the Salem witches mad?
You have your facts mixed up. Those accused of witchcraft were unlucky and did not go mad. The accusers were the ones who were crazy. There is no proof that poison caused the accusers to do what they did, but some people do think that Ergotism, the technical term for poisoning resulting from eating Ergot infected wheat, may have been the agent that caused affliction.
What is the proper name for witchcraft?
The proper name for witchcraft is Witchcraft with a capital "W."
Is Herman witchcraft?
no Herman is not witchcraft
In relation to the Salem Witch Trials what was the difference between the being afflicted with witchcraft and being accused of witchcraft?
You have to understand the terminology of the era. The common belief was that the devil was summoned and would then proceed to possess the practcioners. The affliction would refer to such an event. The accusation would be the courts ruling regarding the alleged afflicted.
What countries have Wicca witchcraft schools?
I think you mean Wiccan and the closest you'll get is the spiritual section @ Barnes & Noble. Witchcraft and the like are dead for the most part, but plenty of literature can be found on the subject. There's no schools to be found, except the occasional cult. (I do not know who posted this above statement but it is completely false. There are many various different schools in relation to witchcraft AND Wicca. One just needs to only search for them.)
Does food have to do anything with witchcraft?
Sure, kitchen witchcraft has a lot to do with food.
What is ergotism?
Poisoning produced by eating food affected by ergot, resulting in headache, vomiting, and gangrene of the fingers and toes
