In these trials he controversially accepted spectral evidence (based on supposed demonic visions).

The trials began, during which "spectral evidence" - testimony about purported apparitions involving the accused - played a major part.

The episode ended some nine months after it began, when a group of ministers publicly criticized the use of "spectral evidence," and the court was dissolved.

Mercy Lewis was a major contributor of spectral evidence in the examination of Elizabeth Howe.

However, they did bring forth spectral evidence with the story of their daughter.

June 15: Cotton Mather writes a letter requesting the court not use spectral evidence as a standard and urging that the trials be speedy.

The resulting murder trial of her husband is perhaps the only capital case in United States history where spectral evidence helps secure a conviction.

The Massachusetts House of Representatives finally passed a bill disallowing spectral evidence.

Such so-called "spectral evidence" was allowed into the trial to show that Satan was afflicting others in the community at the behest of the accused.

Accordingly, when the trials resumed in 1693 in the regular Massachusetts courts, the judges no longer accepted spectral evidence.