For the general subject, with interesting details, see Laurent, Etudes sur l'Histoire de l'Humanities.

See also Maury, La Magie et l'Astrologie dans l'Antiquite et au Moyen Age.
Against this overwhelming current science for many generations could do nothing.

Throughout the whole of the fifteenth century physicians appeared to shun the whole matter.

Occasionally some more thoughtful man ventured to ascribe some phase of the disease to natural causes; but this was an unpopular doctrine, and evidently dangerous to those who developed it.
Yet, in the beginning of the sixteenth century, cases of "possession" on a large scale began to be brought within the scope of medical research, and the man who led in this evolution of medical science was Paracelsus.
He it was who first bade modern Europe think for a moment upon the idea that these diseases are inflicted neither by saints nor demons, and that the "dancing possession" is simply a form of disease, of which the cure may be effected by proper remedies and regimen.
Paracelsus appears to have escaped any serious interference: it took some time, perhaps, for the theological leaders to understand that he had "let a new idea loose upon the planet," but they soon understood it, and their course was simple.

For about fifty years the new idea was well kept under; but in 1563 another physician, John Wier, of Cleves, revived it at much risk to his position and reputation.( 387) (387) For Paracelsus, see Isensee, vol.i, chap.