Superstition to Science: Nature, Fortune, and the Passing of the Medieval Ordeal
IN THE LATE TWELFTH CENTURY, one of the strongest opponents judicial ordeals was Parisian master Peter Chanter. Part his attack theological: God's participation in could not be relied upon, because, though intervene an ordeal, He compelled to do so by priestly incantation. The Chanter also argued that violated Biblical prohibitions against tempting God, particularly since many issues decided resolved other, nonmiraculous means. But greatest part Chanter's criticisms were based on experience. cited cases which men known have been falsely convicted theft and instance a pilgrim had come home find companion who returned before him subjected ordeal cold water, pilgrim's murder, executed. In addition, pointed out natural explanations found for outcomes ordeals: callused hands better able survive tests hot iron those knew how exhale all air from their bodies stood chance victory water.' directed wide variety practices contemporaries called God (judicia Del). Some these testssuch as boiling immersion, iron-went back pagan times. Compurgatory oaths, required correct repetition complicated verbal formula, duels apparently dated traditional Germanic law. Other judgments distinctly Christian. Among Carolingian cross, litigants held arms shoulders shape cross; first let or her drop lost case. Diverse customs were, founded
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