In 1692, the people of Salem believed the Devil walked among them.
But centuries later, scientists and historians would wonder: could the culprit have been something far more earthly—a hallucinogenic fungus lurking in their daily bread?
This Month of the Macabre episode of Infectious Dose examines the ergotism theory behind the Salem witch trials, blending science, history, and haunting “found tapes” that may hit too close to home. From convulsive fits and crawling skin to the toxic fungus Claviceps purpurea, we explore the blurred line between infection and imagination—and how fear itself became contagious.
Listener note: this episode doesn’t end where you think it will.
See the blog post at infectiousdose.com for more information.
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