Dominican inquisition and witch-trial theology

Malleus Maleficarum (The Hammer of Witches)

Name: Malleus Maleficarum (The Hammer of Witches)
Author: Heinrich Kramer

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The most influential and infamous treatise on the prosecution of witches ever written. Created by the Dominican inquisitor Heinrich Kramer, the Malleus systemizes the theological justification for the existence of witchcraft as a heresy, describes the supposed practices of witches (including pacts with the devil and carnal intercourse with demons), and provides a precise judicial manual for the interrogation, trial, and execution of the accused. It was a primary catalyst for the European witch-hunts.

Also known asHeinrich Kramer - Malleus Maleficarum · The Malleus Maleficarum

This edition1928

EditionJohn Rodker, London (Summers Translation)

DemonologyCatholic ScholasticismThomism (distorted)ScholasticismWitchcraft (Historical)Witchcraft (as heresy)witchcraft theologyDemonic PossessionReligious demonologyDescriptions of supposed magical crimes

Contents14 chapters

01Introduction
02Part I: Treating of the Three Necessary Concomitants of Witchcraft
03Question I: Whether the Belief that there are such Beings as Witches is so Essential
04Question II: If it be in Accordance with the Catholic Faith to Maintain that the Devil can Work Miracles
05Question III: Concerning Witches who Copulate with Devils
06Question IV: By which Devils are the Operations of Incubus and Succubus Practised
07Question V: What is the Source of the Increase of Works of Witchcraft
08Question VI: Concerning Witches who Copulate with Devils - Why it is that Women are chiefly addicted to Evil Superstitions
09Part II: The Methods by which Witchcrafts are Wrought and Directed
10Question I: Of the Several Methods by which Devils through Witches Entice and Allure the Innocent
11Question II: Of the Manner whereby they Change Men into the Shapes of Beasts
12Part III: Relating to the Judicial Proceedings in Both Ecclesiastical and Civil Courts
13Question I: Who are the Fit and Proper Judges in the Trial of Witches
14Question II: Of the Number of Witnesses