Once in possession of the body, the evil influence breaks the bones, sucks out the marrow, drinks the blood, gnaws the intestines and the heart and devours the flesh.

The invalid perishes according to the progress of this destructive work; and death speedily ensues, unless the evil genius can be driven out of it before it has committed irreparable damage.

Whoever treats a sick person has therefore two equally important duties to perform.

He must first discover the nature of the spirit in possession, and, if necessary, its name, and then attack it, drive it out, or even destroy it.

He can only succeed by powerful magic, so he must be an expert in reciting incantations, and skilful in making amulets.