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Increase Mather, President of Harvard University, in his…

“Increase Mather, President of Harvard University, in his treatise on Remarkable Providences, insists that the smell of herbs alarms the Devil and that medicine expels him. Such beliefs have probably even now not wholly disappeared from among us.” quote by James Henry Breasted
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““Increase Mather, President of Harvard University, in his treatise on Remarkable Providences, insists that the smell of herbs alarms the Devil and that medicine expels him. Such beliefs have probably even now not wholly disappeared from among us.””

James Henry Breasted

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Belief that herbs repel evil spirits persists in some cultures.

In simple terms: Herbs thought to scare demons.

Key Takeaway

Consider how folklore shapes health practices.

Themes

folklore medicine spirituality

Mood

reflective curious

Type

historical anthropological

When to use this quote

  • traditional healing
  • modern medicine
  • public health education

Key Concepts

cultural belief herbalism demonology

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you rely on traditional remedies?
  • How do cultural myths affect health decisions?
A Different Perspective

Such beliefs may conflict with scientific evidence.

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