edinburgh41 This fountain, designed by John Duncan, R.S.A., is near the site on which many witches were burned at the stake. The wicked head and serene head signify that some used their exceptional knowledge for evil purposes while others were misunderstood and wished their kind nothing but good. The serpent has the dual significance of evil and of wisdom. The foxglove spray further emphasizes the dual purpose of many common objects. From the late fifteenth century to the early eighteenth century (1479-1722), Edinburgh was known as the witch-burning capital of Europe.