Saint Elmo’s Belt
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The origins of this denomination are
uncertain –nothing is known about the martyrdom of St. Erasmus (or
Elmo) in A.D. 303; quite likely it is an allusion to “St. Elmo’s
fire”, the spectacular electromagnetic phenomenon that seems to
envelop the masts and spars of sailing ships in sparks and fire under
certain atmospheric conditions. The sue and effects of this device seem
obvious and not in need of comment. Information and photographs in this virtual exhibition proceed from the book Torture instruments; a bilingual guide to the exhibition Torture Instruments form the Middle Ages to the Industrial Era presented in various cities in the world in 1983-2000. |