The devout Christian and philosopher, John Glanville, who was one of the Royal Society’s founders (mid 1640’s), argued that witches were real and did so as a defence against atheism. He and others, like Robert Boyle (of Boyle’s Law) believed that if you could prove empirically that there were undeniable supernatural phenomena in the world it would disarm atheistic arguments.
It’s interesting how demonising women is still used as a tool to substantiate a position. Whether it’s proving the magical power of witches, proving the subordination of women in general or specifically those who are called to ministry, the intent is similar – to control other people in the social and spiritual realms.
“The Royal Society (founded in the mid 1640’s) was falsely credited with the eradication of magic from the realm of science. “Many of its Fellows were deeply committed to magical pursuits, while some urged the institution actively to investigate their validity.” Ref
Late Night Live 14th Feb 2011. Professor Michael Hunter, in discussion with Philip Adams, on the ambiguous role of the Royal Society in discrediting belief in witchcraft, alchemy, astrology and other forms of magical thinking.
The problem of certainty in English thought, 1630-1690, Henry G. Van Leeuwen, p87