et aml., as above).
From the beginning of the Middle Ages until long after the Reformation the chronicles give ample illustration of the successful use of such exorcisms.

So strong was the belief in them that it forced itself into minds comparatively rational, and found utterance in treatises of much importance.
But, since exorcisms were found at times ineffectual, other means were sought, and especially fetiches of various sorts.

One of the earliest of these appeared when Pope Alexander I, according to tradition, ordained that holy water should be kept in churches and bedchambers to drive away devils.( 230) Another safeguard was found in relics, and of similar efficacy were the so-called "conception billets" sold by the Carmelite monks.

They contained a formula upon consecrated paper, at which the devil might well turn pale.

Buried in the corner of a field, one of these was thought to give protection against bad weather and destructive insects.( 231) (230) "Instituit ut aqua quam sanctum appellamus sale admixta interpositus sacris orationibus et in templis et in cubiculis ad fugandos daemones retineretur." Platina, Vitae Pontif.