In the 16th and 17th century, women accused of were often subjected to a trial by water. Their hands were bound and they were thrown into water. If they floated—a . If they sunk—innocent. While they often had rope tied around their waists to bring them back, there were many accidental drownings. From: Bericht von Erforschung, Herman Neuwaldt, 1611. Source: University of Glasgow Library