Mystic powers
Superstition and a belief in mystic powers were very common up to the mid-19th century. In 1936 the Library acquired the manuscripts and papers of the popular magician and surgeon John Harries (1787–1839) of Cwrtycadno. John Harries and his son Henry were doctors and astronomers. Both received medical training and were well known locally for using spells, herbal remedies and shock therapy to cure their patients.
