Magic in the Greek and Roman World. 35 



frivolous or spectacular purposes, such as walking on the water or 

 flying through the air. St. Peter is credited with having on one 

 occasion banished the demons who were supporting a follower of 

 Simon Magus in the air, with the result that the unfortunate man 

 was dashed to pieces. Many modern customs and ceremonies, of 

 which more edifying explanations are current, are really survivals 

 of the use of magic and of the belief in demons ; and the study 

 of such superstitions is not without both an historical and an 

 ethical value. 



At the conclusion of the lecture Professor Lindsay, Mr. J- 

 Brown, and other members complimented Mr. Henry upon the 

 excellence of his paper. 



