The Cause of the Witch Trials

For this post, I know I may be jumping ahead, since I know we will delve further into the Salem witch trials later this semester. I found a particularly interesting article while surfing the web, however, and it prompted me to explore the origination of the trials.

The Vox article presents a theory by Mary Matossian that I had not previously heard--that the 1692 Salem witch hysteria can be attributed to fungus. Supposedly, ergot, a fungus commonly found in bread, can cause hallucinogenic symptoms similar to those found in modern-day drugs like LSD. Matossian's theory alludes that the chaos that erupted in Salem may have been fueled by hallucinations due to residents consuming the infected bread. Additionally, many of the symptoms described by those under the "witch's curse" align with those caused by ergot.

A piece of rye infected with ergot

There is of course, much evidence to the contrary. Particularly important is the fact that the Salem trials were not the only witch trials to happen during this time period. Neighboring towns are also cited to have had smaller trials--and the likelihood of them consuming the same bread (or bread with the same fungus) is low. Although ergotism (the sickness resulting from ergot) had tainted other places throughout history, there was no evidence that it was widespread in Salem.

Considering all of this, I think this is a prime example of scholars looking too closely for answers they cannot find. Although I look forward to learning more about the trials, with what I know now I think there were many reasons the trials occurred, and it cannot simply be attributed to a fungus. I think the trials can serve as a lesson for me not to jump to pointing fingers, making unsubstantiated claims, or quickly agreeing with the crowd.