ABSTRACT
The connection between persecution and religion—Genesis of the Inquisition—Original object the suppression of heresy by the Church of Rome—Power of rival and heretical cults—Establishment of the Holy Inquisition—Its remarkably rapid extension—Embarkment on a campaign of torture and persecution unrivalled in the world’s history—Its decline and fall—Other forms of persecution from the beginning of time have established an Inquisition in fact if not in name—The persecution of free expression of opinion through the ages.
