Sorcery vs. Science

Where it surfaces

• Prefatory Notice

  The notice frames Ferrara's deeds as illustrations of historical sorcery, contrasting with modern rational understanding.

• Brood of the Witch-Queen

  The chapter establishes the conflict between Dr. Cairn's scientific rationality and Ferrara's occult powers, representing a clash of worldviews.

• I: Antony Ferrara

  Cairn's rational observations clash with Ferrara's occult practices, including incense (Kyphi), a mummy, and strange artifacts.

• III: The Ring of Thoth

  Dr. Cairn acknowledges the reality of Egyptian magic, contrasting it with modern scientific understanding; the chapter explores the tension between rationalism and occult powers.

• At Ferrara's Chambers

  Ferrara's occult practices and beetle collection contrast with Dr. Cairn's medical and rational approach.

• The Rustling Shadows

  Dr. Cairn frames the supernatural attack as governed by natural laws, opposing sorcery with willpower.

• VI: The Beetles

  Dr. Cairn's rational investigation and physical confrontation contrast with Ferrara's occult manipulation of beetles and thought-forms.

• VII: Sir Elwin Groves’ Patient

  Dr. Cairn and Sir Elwin Groves apply medical reasoning to wounds that defy natural explanation, hinting at supernatural attacks possibly orchestrated by Ferrara.

• XI: Cairo

  Cairn's discussion with Sime about the power of collective thought and superstition contrasts rational skepticism with occult beliefs.

• XIII: The Scorpion Wind

  Cairn describes Ferrara's sorcerous murders as beyond the reach of law and medicine, contrasting with Sime's nervous-system theories.

• XV: The Witch-Queen

  Ferrara's hypnotic suggestion and dream manipulation represent sorcery, while Dr. Cairn's rational analysis struggles to separate reality from phantasm.

• Lair of the Spiders

  Dr. Cairn's rational investigation clashes with Ferrara's supernatural trance and the occult protection of the sarcophagus.

• The Story of Ali Mohammed

  Dr. Cairn contrasts the rational Egyptology of Sime with the hidden sorcery of the pyramid, emphasizing the conflict between empirical knowledge and occult forces.

• XVIII: The Bats

  Dr. Cairn's rational investigation confronts ancient sorcery, as evidenced by the decapitated bats and the suspected ritual in the pyramid.

• XIX: Anthropomancy

  Sime's modern pistol is powerless against Ferrara's ancient sorcery, highlighting the conflict between rationality and the occult.

• XX: The Incense

  Dr. Cairn identifies the incense as a product of ancient sorcery, opposing rational understanding and foreshadowing a magical confrontation.

• XXI: The Magician

  Dr. Cairn contrasts modern scepticism with Ferrara's proven magical powers, highlighting the conflict between rational knowledge and ancient black arts.

• The Face in the Orchid-House

  Dr. Cairn's medical expertise fails against Myra's illness, which is linked to Ferrara's occult influence.

• Flowering of the Lotus

  Dr. Cairn uses both medical knowledge and ancient magical lore to combat the supernatural threat.

• Cairn Meets Ferrara

  Ferrara's supernatural knowledge and powers contrast with Cairn's rational journalism and reliance on the British Museum's scholarly resources.

• The Ivory Hand

  Robert attempts to use rational deduction and a revolver against Ferrara's supernatural attacks, but is overwhelmed by hypnotic and occult forces.

• XXVII: The Thug’s Cord

  Robert's rational defenses (revolver, electric light) fail against Ferrara's supernatural manipulation of darkness and disembodied hands.

• XXVIII: The High Priest, Hortotef

  Dr. Cairn critiques science for ignoring phenomena like table-turning and planchette, while Ferrara uses photography—a scientific tool—to focus sorcerous will.

• The Wizard's Den

  Dr. Cairn prepares to use magical seals and protections against Ferrara's sorcery, highlighting the clash between modern rationality and ancient occult arts.

• The Elemental

  Dr. Cairn reluctantly adopts magical methods to counter Ferrara's sorcery, blending rational preparation with occult ritual.

• The Book of Thoth

  Dr. Cairn uses practical, methodical actions (breaking a padlock, destroying a book) to counter Ferrara's sorcery.