Salem Witch Trials Ergotism Essay

The Real Cause of the Salem Witch Trials: Ergotism The mysterious and questionable yet tragic events of the Salem Witch Trials in 1692 are left open for debate as to why they occurred. The strange behavior of the accusers, who were afflicted girls, was that of being controlled by something other than themselves. At the time, it was believed that witchcraft was the cause of the affliction these young girls experienced. However, with current evidence, it is clear that ergot was the reason behind the hysteria and chaos during the Salem Witch Trials. The consumption of ergot leads to a type of incessant poisoning known as ergotism. The fungus is often found in rye, which was used to make bread during the late 1600s. Ergot also flourishes in “warm, damp, and rainy springs and summers,” which are climate

Ann Putnam and her mother were the most vocal about witchcraft, as well as showing other symptoms of ergotism. The Putnams also gave some of their rye to the Parris’, including two other accusers. Almost every accuser has some record that leads to ergot being the cause of the mass hysteria (Caporael). The likelihood of ergotism being the reason for the Salem witch trials is often questioned by people who ask why only these select girls were afflicted (Miller, 47). Others ask for evidence of the symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, or livid skin, as none were recorded during that time. Additionally, some question the reality of ergotism as the girls often receive lots of Vitamin A in their diets, which is a common preventative used to fight ergotism (Howlett). Once again, all of these reasons to try and disprove convulsive ergotism as the reason for the Salem Witch Trials can be countered. While many question why it was only girls who were accusing others of witchcraft, ergotism would “mostly [affect] young girls whose immune systems had not fully developed, leaving them