308 DYAK MODES OF CURE. 



this cane is placed over them, with fire on its upper end, 

 so that the air of the tube being exhausted by the action 

 of the fire, the blood flows readily, and the operation 

 is successfully carried on. Wounds are always covered 

 with a kind of paste, made of pounded turmeric roots, 

 and other herbs, which entering the sore, keep it 

 in an unclean state, and prevent rather than assist 

 the cure. From the simple nature of their food, 

 and their way of life, inflammation in wounds or 

 sores is rare amongst them, and generally to a small 

 extent. 



Rheumatic pains are very common, and they are 

 grateful for the relief Dr. Treacher aifords them at 

 Sarawak, with his blisters, mustard-poultices, and 

 other appliances. For the cure of internal diseases, 

 turmeric and spices, taken in monstrous quantities, are 

 the favourite remedies ; but for anything at all serious, 

 recourse is had to the ' Pamali,' both in medical 

 and surgical cases. They have great faith in the 

 medicinal powers of the Europeans, and fancy that all 

 of them are doctors. 



In travelling through their tribes, I found great 

 advantage in carrying a little laudanum, quinine, and 

 castor oil with me; by the assistance of these, ad- 

 ministered in smnll doses, I frequently had the satisfaction 

 of seeing those afllicted with agues, diarrhseas, and 

 stomachic pains, recover ; but some cases brought to me, 

 were beyond my very moderate skill, and one I think 

 would have puzzled the first doctors of our country. 

 It was that of a young woman who, being married 



