On Witches and Female Soothsayers

Therefore, let this present work not slumber, but remain under the correction of you and your most wise counselors: especially that most renowned man, Conrad Sturtzel, doctor of both laws Doctor of both Civil and Canon Law and the chief secretary of your Excellency. Indeed, I have submitted this treatise specifically to his correction, since in former times I held him as my preceptor and teacher; from him, while still a youth, I drew the elements of eloquence and the maxims of the law, which I still desire to follow today as I have begun this task.

Furthermore, since among the ancient orators the dialogue was often esteemed to bring a certain pleasant delight, I have decided to proceed in this present treatise by way of a dialogue—or rather, a trilogy A conversation between three people. Truly, I have reviewed many matters worthy of dispute regarding this subject with the prudent and excellent man Conrad Schatz, who for many years has been the magistrate and provost praetor: a high-ranking municipal official or judge of this, my renowned city of Constance. He is a man of distinguished eloquence and an eyewitness to these matters, who, in his capacity as magistrate, has learned the confessions of such women. Therefore, I have judged it fit to set forth this present dialogue or trilogy under your most excellent name, as well as those of Conrad and myself. Thus, with the favor of your kindness, approaching the subject matter, I have set forth certain questions to be discussed as the key to this material.

Chapters of the Present Treatise

¶ First: Whether, by the actions of witches lamiae: specifically "night-witches" or sorceresses and enchantresses, and by the cooperation of demons, hailstorms, frosts, and rains can be provoked to the injury of the earth.

¶ Second: Whether witches and enchantresses can, with the help of the devil original: "dyaboli", harm men and infants, inflict diseases upon them, and weaken them.

¶ Third: Whether they can infect a man, even one established in the state of matrimony, and render him impotent for cohabitation.

¶ Fourth: Whether they can change the images and faces of men into other forms.

¶ Fifth: Whether enchantresses and witches can ride upon a greased staff or upon a wolf or another animal, and be transported from place to place to their assembly and sport, where they drink, eat, know one another mutually, and take delight.