DENSMORE] PLANTS AS MEDICINE 329 
were scalded or steeped. Some roots were boiled in a thin sirup 
made of maple sugar, to give a pleasant flavor. Poultices and com- 
presses were made by moistening the pounded fresh or dry roots or 
herbs. The strength of a decoction varied with the nature of the 
root and the age of the patient. A common proportion was a “ hand- 
hollow-ful” of pulverized root to about a quart of water, but some 
roots were exceedingly strong and required special direction. Thus 
one root (calamus), although only about one-eighth of an inch in 
diameter, was so strong that the quantity used was measured by the 
length of the patient’s index finger, whether an infant or an adult. 
Tt was the author’s intention to collect herbs which have medicinal 
use when administered singly. This presented some difficulties, as 
the Chippewa use combinations of herbs, sometimes as many as 
20 vegetable substances being combined in one remedy. One 
medicine woman who practices medicine widely for money at the 
present time called special attention to the value of herbs in combi- 
nations. She appeared to attach more importance to, combinations 
than to specifics, except in instances of simple definite value. While 
the tabulated lists (pp. 836-367) contain some combinations it will be 
noted that almost without exception each herb is considered effica- 
cious if used alone. In some instances the combination of the herbs 
shows an interesting and intelligent purpose. 
The quantity for a decoction and the size of a dose were difficult 
to determine with any degree of accuracy. One medicine woman who 
was particularly careful in her statements brought the pail in which 
she usually prepared her remedies, and it was found to hold about 
a pint. It appeared that she prepared smaller quantities than other 
persons, as a majority said they prepared their medicines in a lard 
pail, filling it to within 11% or 2 inches of the top. In the tabulated 
list of remedies the quantity of water is given as a quart, except 
in remedies prepared by the above-mentioned woman, for whose 
preparations a smaller amount is designated. Decoctions were 
usually boiled five or ten minutes. In only two instances (see pp. 
339, 365) was there anything partaking of a ceremonial character in 
the preparing of liquid medicines, it being said that “ the talking was 
all done when the roots were dug.” In one of these instances there 
was something resembling a divination, the doctor watching the 
manner in which the powdered roots lay in the water and deciding 
thereby whether the medicine would be effective. The person who 
described this remedy was well versed in the ways of the Mide and 
said she had never heard of this being done in the preparation of any 
other remedy. 
Liquid medicine was not measured when taken. A “large swal- 
low” constituted an average dose, but a cupful was occasionally 
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