MEDICAL PRACTICES AND SDPERSTITIONS OP KORDOFAN 
317 
in position by means of two bandages, each tied in a reef knot, one above, the other 
below. 
Fig. 95.—Native Sudanese splints applied to forearm 
The materials used (four strips of wood, coarse grass, wood fibre, bark and cloth 
bandaging) as described by Dr. Elliot Smith, and their method of use in the two 
instances (ancient and modern) seems to be almost identical. The same methods, too, 
apparently still prevail in modern Egypt and in Abyssinia. As the author says;—“ . . . 
a striking testimony to the stability of this idea, as well as of the extreme conservatism 
of the Egyptian. 
Wounds 
The ordinary treatment of wounds (accidental) is extremely primitive. Few think it 
advisable to wash the part, and many consider such a procedure most dangerous, as 
exposing the patient to the risk of blood poisoning (which, when the quality of the water 
used is considered, is by no means unlikely). The usual aim is to secure a large clot or 
scab over the raw surface, and for this purpose powders made from Kohl (black antimony). 
Natron (ground salt), Gotran (colocynth tar), Shab (alum). Lime, Guliim, Shatta, Senna, 
Kursan, Ghrur, Shagar-en-nar, Likbalie, Thai, etc., are used as dusting dressings, as 
also the less pharmacopceial remedies Shouroiir (wood ash), powdered charcoal, sand, ground 
Durra, and camel-, sheep-, and cow-dung (often charred), the results being more or less 
satisfactory. I saw one case of tetanus following such treatment in a Nuba, but rapid 
secondary union is the rule, and septic complications rare, thanks, I imagine, largely 
to their strongly germicidal constitutions. Should such result, cupping, scarring, 
cauterisation, and more rarely poulticing in the neighbourhood of the inflammation are 
resorted to. 
Operations 
1. Excision of the Uvula. The uvula, “ Eeesha” (feather), is looked upon by the 
Arab as the primary cause of most chest troubles and inflammations of the pharynx 
and larynx, etc. The doctor therefore advises its excision as a preliminary measure in 
such cases. Young children have the operation performed as a safeguard to their health, 
especially before the Kharif. It is surprising the large percentage of people who are 
without uvulae on these accounts. 
Operation. The uvula is snared by means of a Samandia or impaled on an Ishfa [see 
Surgical Instruments, paye 313), pulled downward and forward and cut off with a scissors 
or knife, no after treatment being employed. 
Treatment 
of wounds 
Excision of 
uvula 
