HUTCHINSON, Francis. An Historical Essay Concerning Witchcraft. With Observations upon matters of Fact; tending to clear the Texts of the Sacred Scriptures, and confute the vulgar Errors about that point. And Also Two Sermons; One in Proof of the Christian Religion; the other concerning the Good and Evil Angels.

London: Printed for R. Knaplock, at the Bishop’s Head, and D. Midwinter, at the Three Crowns, in St. Paul’s Church-yard, 1720. 2nd edition, with considerable additions. Hardcover.  22cm by 13cm.  336 pages.  An important critical examination of witchcraft beliefs and trials arguing against the superstitions and judicial injustices that led to the persecution of accused witches. Hutchinson carefully reviews past witch trials, including those in England and the infamous Salem Witch Trials (1692), showing how fear and flawed legal practices led to wrongful executions. He also challenges common superstitions about witches, using reason and theology to argue that many so-called magical acts were either natural events or misunderstandings. By applying a rational and evidence-based approach, Hutchinson helped discredit witch trials and contributed to the decline of witch persecutions in the 18th century. His work remains an important historical text on the shift from superstition to Enlightenment thinking.  This a very good copy in original calf, some age wear at spine head.  Gilt lettering and raised bands to spine, detailing to covers.  This copy with the bookplate of John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute who became the first Scottish prime minister of Great Britain in 1862, negotiating the Treaty of Paris (1763), ending the Seven Years’ War and solidifying British dominance in North America and India.  He did also introduce the cider tax, which contributed to public hostility against him, and due to political opposition and unpopularity, he resigned in 1763 after just one year in office. (The Cider Tax was eventually repealed in 1766 under the government of the Marquess of Rockingham, due to continued public opposition.)