308 
MEDICAL. PRACTICES AND SUPERSTITIONS OF KORDOFAN 
Use of 
pattens 
2. Cauterise the site of inflammation with a hot iron in several places, through one of 
wliich the worm will afterwards present. This treatment is employed universally. 
3. The Nubas are convinced that guinea worm gains entrance through cuts or abrasions, 
or even through the uninjured skin of the feet. They are, therefore, particularly 
careful of their feet during the Khar if (the epidemic season for tliis disease), stand in 
stagnant surface water as little as possible, and wear a variety of high (often, when 
new, from 6 inches to 8 inches high) pattens, which are strapped on to the feet with 
strips of raw hide, when, of necessity, they leave their hills and have to travel in 
low marshy places. 
Tlie two examples illustrated on page 307 and on this page were kindly secured for 
me by El Kaim. Wilson, Bey Mudir of S. Kordofan. These pattens are similar to 
the old English variety, and, like them, are used solely during wet weather, to raise 
the feet above the surface water. They should not be confounded with the clog or 
sahat, which is essentially a hoot. 
4. A pulp made from the fresldy cut ends of branches from the Twiiduh {Capparis 
(iphi/JIa, Eoth) tree may be applied to the inflamed area. 
Fig. 79. —New and consequently high Nuba Protective Pattens 
5. Three drachms of powdered Omhla (Asafoetida) are mixed in half a rotl of milk and 
drunk every morning until a cure results, the worm being left to extricate itself. 
Treatment of 
mental 
disorders 
Ment.\l 
1. Prayer. In cases of mania, etc. The patient being restrained by force, a Fiki or 
Fakir (holy man) is sent for to pray over him. 
2. The Mahaia. Solution of written quotations from the Koran, at specified verses and 
chapters taken at intervals internally. 
3. The Aziina. Spitting over the patient’s body is also resorted to. 
On asking a native Hakim his treatment for mania and mental disease in 
general, he replied : “ There is no medicine for the disease save the name of Almighty 
God.” This seems to be the general consensus of opinion. 
4. The Zarr, or evil spirit, havi.ig once got a footing, a holy man replaces the Hakim in 
his endeavour to cure. The Mahaia and Azima are commonly resorted to, hut more 
generally simjfle and prolonged prayer and the use of Kituh or written verses from 
the Koran folded up and tied with string round the ell.ow, neck or head. 
