country. The emphasis on the therapeutic and pseudo- 
therapeutic use of the plant is great among the Plains 
Indians even today; it is regarded as a physical and 
spiritual panacea. 
There are few diseases known to the Indians for which 
peyote is not believed to be acure. Among the many dis- 
eases listed by my Indian informants were tuberculosis, 
pneumonia, influenza, intestinal ills, scarlet fever, diabe- 
tes, rheumatic pains, colds, and especially grippe; some 
even included venereal diseases. A Shawnee informed me 
that peyote tea was a very good antiseptic wash for 
wounds and bruises and a soothing liniment if applied 
yarm to an aching limb. Partly masticated mescal but- 
tons, packed around an aching tooth, are said to bring 
relief. 
Peyote is used freely as a medicine and tonic in daily 
life ‘fas white man uses aspirin,’’ according to the state- 
ment of a Kickapoo. This common use of the drug has 
led foes of the peyote-cult to make the accusation that 
the Indians become ‘‘addicted’’ to it, but, in my field- 
investigations, no habitual use of peyote was noted. The 
statement that peyote is an aphrodisiac has been dis- 
proved, since investigation has shown it to possess defi- 
nite anaphrodisiae properties. 
Although it is still a question whether or not peyote 
is harmful, the usual absence of uncomfortable effects fol- 
lowing its use, even among beginners, combines with 
many other considerations to support the view that it is 
morally and socially safe, and productive of little physical 
harm. 
In the United States, peyote is ordinarily taken in the 
dried form. In Mexico, fresh peyote is ground on a me- 
tate and the resulting thick, brown liquid is drunk (4); 
it may also be added to fermented fruit Juices to render 
the resulting alcoholic beverages more intoxicating (4, 
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