In 1976, Linda R. Caporael, a professor at Rensselaer Polytechnic
Institute, published a paper titled 'Ergotism: The Satan Loosed In
Salem.' This paper proposed the theory that a fungus found in
contaminated bread, known as ergot, might have been responsible for
the symptoms attributed to 'witchcraft,' leading the townspeople of
Salem to persecute one another.
Ergot is the name of the fungus, which typically grows on rye and
related plants. When ingested by humans, it can lead to a range of
symptoms, including convulsions, choking, hallucinations, or gangrene (resulting in the loss of limbs). Those who ceased consuming tainted
bread early enough might have had the chance to recover. This explains
why some individuals suffering from 'demonic possessions' who sought
refuge in churches and stopped eating low-grade rye bread experienced miraculous recoveries. Members of the clergy, who could afford
higher-quality bread, were less susceptible to poisoning than
commoners.
Ergot poisoning was distressingly common during the Middle Ages and
claimed many lives in Europe in gruesome ways. There is a strong
correlation between wet summers (ideal conditions for ergot growth)
and reports of witchcraft. Notably, in Norway and Scotland, records of
witch persecution were predominantly found in regions where rye was
cultivated and used for bread production.
https://twitter.com/historyinmemes/status/1711922270745043042
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