A Brief Display of the Origin and History of Ordeals is a fascinating account of the various methods used throughout history to settle disputes between individuals and groups. From dueling to trial by combat, from courts of chivalry to the ordeal of boiling water, Gilchrist explores the many strange and brutal practices that have been employed to determine guilt or innocence. The book also includes a chronological register of some of the most famous duels fought in Europe and America. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.