XLVI ANNUAL REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR 
with such relations. The Navajo have an entirely distinct 
creation myth, which is long and elaborate and which Dr. 
Matthews has obtained and will publish hereafter. 
The ceremonial, lasting nine days, is one of many among the 
Navajo, seventeen, each of nine days’ duration, being known 
to survive. This people, like other bodies of North Ameri- 
can Indians, devote their winters to religion, mysticism, and 
symbolism, by which their whole lives and thoughts are im- 
bued to an extent difficult to realize in modern civilization. 
This ceremony dramatizes the myth, with rigorously prescribed 
paraphernalia and formularies, with picturesque dances and 
shows, scenic effects, and skillful thaumaturgic jugglery. It 
is noticeable also that here the true popular drama is found 
in the actual process of evolution from religious mysteries or 
miracle plays, as has been its history in other lands and among 
other races. The ceremonies are presented by Dr. Matthews 
with admirable precision of observation and statement, to which 
he adds his sketches, furnishing the illustrations of the sand 
pictures, the production, manipulation, and destruction of 
which form the most peculiar portions of the ceremonial. It is 
to be remarked that the shaman has become the professional 
and paid artist and stage manager, under whom is gathered a 
traveling corps of histrions and scenic experts. 
The parts of the ceremonial immediately connected with the 
cure of disease, particularly the application of the pigments 
constituting the bodies of the mythic personages, afford evi- 
dence additional to former knowledge of the origination of 
medical practices. 
The medicine man is an important functionary among all 
the tribes of North America and medicine practices constitute 
an important element in the daily life of the Indian tribe. But 
medicine practices cannot be differentiated from religious rites 
and observances. The doctor is the priest and the priest is 
the doctor; the medicine man is priest-doctor. 
In studying the medicine practices of the North American 
Indians from the standpoint of medicine, the subject may be 
advantageously considered in three parts: First, an effort 
