David Brewster (1781-1868) wrote this fascinating treatise to illustrate the use of scientific principles by ancient governments and religious orders to frighten and delude the populace for their own advantage. He also covers a variety of other scientific curiosities and marvels (optical, auditory, chemical, mechanical, atmospheric, etc.), providing logical reasoning to counter superstition, while recognizing the hand of the Creator.

This intriguing treatise was written by David Brewster to explain how ancient governments and religious orders used scientific principles to scare and mislead the masses for their advantage. In addition, he covered a variety of other scientific discoveries and phenomena, including optical, auditory, chemical, mechanical, atmospheric, etc., delivering logical reason to counter superstition.