Catherine Monvoisin, known as La Voisin, rose from fortune teller to orchestrator of one of France’s darkest scandals, the Affaire des Poisons. Operating a shadowy network of poisonings, black magic, and secret abortions, she catered to the elite, including King Louis XIV’s mistress. Her eventual arrest and execution sent shockwaves through French society, exposing the deadly intersection of power, magic, and ambition.

In the 18th century, German doctor Franz Mesmer introduced the provocative theory of animal magnetism, claiming an invisible force (Lebensmagnetismus) flowed through all living things, including humans, animals, and even plants. He believed this force could heal the sick and control minds, sparking fascination and controversy. Though dismissed by science, Mesmerism left a lasting impact on spiritual healing.

Anne Bonny, the infamous female pirate of the early 18th century, is both celebrated and shrouded in mystery, with her life detailed through Captain Charles Johnson’s A General History of the Pyrates: her notorious partnership with John “Calico Jack” Rackham, and her dramatic capture and trial. Debate swirls around Bonny’s sexuality and her rumored relationship with fellow pirate Mary Read, blending fact with speculation to paint a complex portrait of her legacy.