The article discusses the witchcraft trials of Salem, Massachusetts and how they reflect superstitious beliefs of New England colonists and scholarship on witchcraft. The author discusses the widespread belief in witchcraft during the period and notes similarities in the doctrines of Puritans and the Roman and Anglican Churches on witchcraft despite cultural associations between Puritanism and witchhunting. The actions of Puritan witchhunter Matthew Hopkins are noted. An opinion of lawyer Matthew Hale concerning the existence of witchcraft influenced judges in Salem. The writings of demonologist Johann Wier, clergyman John Webster and theologian Balthasar Bekker on witchcraft are described. The author notes the use of spectral evidence in witch trials before those conducted in Salem.