Arthur C. Clarke - interview: A chat about "A.I." and the "Soulcatcher"

Soulcatcher: Use:
Sickness incurable by secular (herbal) means was believed to be caused by "soul loss" through:

* Dreaming, which was thought to be the soul leaving the body and traveling to the spirit world. If the soul was unable to return to the body by morning (due to disorientation or supernatural interference), chronic illness would follow.
* Being frightened out of the body
* Being enticed out by witchcraft

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soulcatcher