Sketches of imposture, deception, and credulity.

  • Richard Alfred Davenport
Date:
1845
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Sketches of imposture, deception, and credulity. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the National Library of Medicine (U.S.), through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the National Library of Medicine (U.S.)

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    ence. This was first brouglit into public notice by a goatherd, whose poats, browsing on tlie brink, were tlirown into singular convulsions; upon which the man, going to the spot, and endeavouring to look into the chasm, became himscli' agitated like one frantic. 'I'hese extraordinary circumstances were connnunicated through the neighbourhood; and the sujierstitious ignorance of the age immediately attributed them to a deity residing in the place. Frenzy of every kind among the Greeks, even in more enlightened times, was supposed to be the effect of divine inspiration ; and the incoherent s])ecchcs of the frantic were regarded as prophetical. Tiiis spot, formerly visited only by goats, now became an object of extensive curiosity. It was said to be the oracle of the goddess Earth. The rude inhabitants from all the neigh- bouring parts resorted to it, for information concerning futurity; to obtain which any one of them inhaled the vapour, and whatever he uttered in the ensuing intoxica- tion passed for prophecy. This was found dangerous, however, as many, becoming giddy, fell into the cavern and were lost; and in an assembly it was agreed that one person should alone receive the inspiration, and render the responses of the divinity. A virgin was preferred for the sacred office, and a frame [)rcpared, resting on three feet, whence it was called tri|)od. The place bore tlie name of Pytho, and thence the title of Pythoness, or Pythia, became attached to the prophetess. By degrees, a rude temple was built over the cavern, priests were appointed, ceremonies were prescribed, and sacrifices were performed. A revenue was necessary. All who would consult the oracle henceforward must come with offerings in their hands. The profits pro- duced by the prophecies of the goddess Earth beginning to fail, the priests asserted that the god Neptune was associated with her in the oracle. The goddess Themis was then reported to have succeeded mother Earth. Still new incentives to public credulity and curiosity became
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