The Black Devil Called Ergot

The hypothesis that a certain fungus, known as ergot, might be somehow connected to the events occurring around Salem Village in 1691/2 has been controversial. The article “Ergotism: Satan Loose in Salem, ” by Linnda R. Caporael was introduced in April of 1976 with a compelling story of a chemical induced hysteria resulting in the Salem witch trials. However, very shortly afterwards her work was heavily criticized by psychologists Nicholas P. Spanos and Jack Gottlieb in their December 1976 article, “Ergotism and the Salem Witch Trials. ” The topic from then on remained muted until 1989 when Mary K. Matossian revisited the subject in he

Opening Day.

Library Director Sue Stroyan and Circulation Manager Bruce Chamberlain roll out the red carpet on Opening Day of The Ames Library. Please see A New Star on the Horizon for more information on the library opening.https://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/ames10_gallery/1083/thumbnail.jp

Special Attractions

Windows into History. Stained-glass panels rescued from an Oxford basesement bring Old World elegance to the new Ames Library

Marc Featherly

Featherly describes Myers\u27 input on a series of presidential portraits and other ways in which different backgrounds are used for portrait sittings. He took the Myers portrait that hangs in Bates & Merwin Reading Room, The Ames Library and says it was Myers\u27 favorite. He recalls Myers being very hands on but that it was more about big ideas than about following up on details. Featherly also discusses the affects of technology on his field and comments on how presidents and others influence the atmosphere and student body of IWU. He speaks of working relationships with Myers and Wilson and the dignitaries he\u27s photographed

Opera Outreach

IWU students, faculty and alumni make opera come alive for a new generation — and learn that kids can be among the toughest and most appreciative audiences