Note 47 — Chapter V · THE BLACK ART.
Reading edition
The Kolarian witch-finder’s test is to put a large wooden grain measure under a flat stone as a pivot on which the latter can revolve. A boy is then seated on the stone supporting himself with his hands, and “the names of all the people in the neighbourhood are slowly pronounced. As each name is uttered a few grains of rice are thrown at the boy. When they come to the name of the witch or wizard, the stone turns and the boy rolls off.”47 This, no doubt, is the effect of the boy’s falling into a state of coma, and losing the power of supporting himself with his hands.