The discovery of second sight in late Seventeenth-century Scotland

Key Points

• Second sight emerged as a mysterious phenomenon in the Highlands during the late Seventeenth century, capturing the public's imagination.
• Debate arose between scientific virtuosi and urban sceptics, weighing traditional beliefs against emerging rationalism.
• Historical analysis uncovers how this phenomenon reflects the broader cultural view of magic's decline in society.
• This episode highlights tensions between belief systems, with implications for understanding cultural transitions in Scotland.