The main theme of Fraser's work is the theory of a general evolution of thought from the stage of magic to the stage of religion and ultimately to the stage of science.

This theory led him, more than any other anthropologist, to gather and compare a large amount of information on magical and religious practices as well as on customs that were unexplained by European intellectuals.

His views on the distinction between magic and religion have become fundamentally accepted in the writings of many anthropologists since his time and have generally influenced the literary community.

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