The practice of exorcism and
other magical arts was not confined to the clergy in
former days.
In many cases in
west Cornwall where family lived in isolated houses,
there were more studious members who drew horoscopes,
concocted strange compounds and cordials, by which
they predicted remarkable events.
Possessing such
powers, they were naturally held in awe and respect
by some of the neighbors and they might frequently be
called to raise spirits or lay them to rest. Their
reputations were still further enhanced by their
powers to detect evildoers.
After a time, their
mantles descended upon a poorer class of conjurer of
which every town and village had a representative. As
crude as their methods were, they often exercised
important influence over local life.
