Olbrechts] the swimmer MANUSCRIPT 159 



necessary by migration to a new habitat, by change in the material 

 culture, or by evolution in the beliefs. 



So, for instance, in a formula against bullet wounds the "bullet" 

 is not mentioned once, and is still spoken of as an arrow; as far as 

 the expressions used in this formula are concerned, it might have 

 been used in the pre-Columbian period. But when we scan the 

 directions we soon see that it has been changed with due regard to the 

 introduction of firearms. We also find that in those directions 

 where simples are being prescribed that are foreign to the present 

 habitat of the Cherokee these are being gradually replaced and super- 

 seded by plants found in their present locality. 



Whereas a formula loses all its power by retracting or adding as 

 little as one syllable to it, directions and prescriptions may be im- 

 proved upon, both grammatically and technically, by any one who 

 chooses to do so. 



Structure of the Formulas 



Although the best way of gaining an insight into the structure of 

 the formulas is to examine the specimens given in the text material, 

 a few preliminary remarks will not be considered out of place here. 



The general pattern according to which the formulas are built is 

 the following: 



1 . An exclamation of warning, to attract the attention of the spirit 

 addressed, as sGe', k^a, ya'. 



2. The spirit's name, sometimes his color; the place where he has 

 his abode. 



3. Some expression extolling his power, as "thou powerful wizard 

 indeed," or "thou penetratest all things," or "nothing can escape 

 thy sight." 



4. A statement as to the cause of the disease, the identity of the 

 disease causer, or the reason for which the spirit's help is invited. 



5. Some depreciatory remarks at the address of the disease, of the 

 disease causer, of the enemy against whom an incantation is being 

 recited, etc. 



6. Some specific reason why the spirit called upon is expected to 

 effect relief in this particular instance. 



7. An emphatic statement that relief has been effected. 



8. A final exclamation, usually yS', sometimes sGe', rarely k'a'. 

 This, as I have said, is only a general pattern; there is perhaps not 



one formula exactly like it, nor does it mention certain other motives, 

 which occur occasionally, though not so regularly. For example, in 

 many formulas the cry of the animal spirit invoked is imitated, for 

 the fox du'; for the rabbit dt'st.^^ 



''^ These imitative cries are often rather symbolic than onomatopoetic. 

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