Dellon's Account of the Inquisition at Goa; Translated from the French. with an Appendix, Containing an Account of the Escape of Archibald Bower, (One of the Inquisitors) from the Inquisition, at Macerata, in Italy (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1812. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... 174 APPENDIX. which by means of four cords, drawn over pullies at each corner of the lofty room, enables them to hoist him up to the cieljng in an instant, when he is letdo, wn again within a few inches of the ground. This process is thrice repeated; and by the sudden jerks all his bones are dislocated. The wretch is suffered to hang so disjointed until the hour is expired, or he confesses. 2d. Torture.--The next instrument is something like a smith's anvil fixed in the middle of the floor, with a spike, not very sharp at the top. Ropes are attached to each corner of the room, as in the former instance, to which the criminals legs and arms are fastened, and he is drawn up a little, and then let down with his back bone exactly on the spike of iron, where his whole weight rests. 3d Torture.--Is, what they term, a slight torture, and applied only to women. Matches of tow and-pitch are wrapped round their hands and then set on fire, until the flesh is consumed. AVhilst Mr. Bower was professor in the college, the Inquisitor general contracted a great intimacy with him. One day as they were in conversation, he said--" Mr. Boyer" (for so the Italian called him) " I have a design upon you."--A speech, which from an Inquisitor General, notwithstanding his avowed friendship, carried some terror in it. But he soon explained himself, by stating that one of the members of the council was so ill, that he daily expected an account of his death; and whenever it happened, he intended him the honour of filling the place. Mr. Bower received this declaration with high satisfaction, and proper acknowledgments. Soon afterwards the tick member died, when the Inquisitor General sent for Mr. Bower, who, though he had so much reason to guess the occasion, was somewhat alarmed, bu...