[5] COLLECTING MEDICAL INB'ORMATION FLINT. 



7. Signatures. — Some outward sign appearing- upon plants, min- 

 erals, or other objects, believed to point to their appropriate medicinal 

 uses. 



Specifically, the Division of Medicine desires details of the cere- 

 monies of exorcism said to be practiced extensively b}^ the Indians and 

 negroes of this country; the words used in the incantations over the 

 sick, especiall}^ in the Pacific Islands and the East; amuletb^talismans, 

 and fetiches, all of which abound ever}- where; medicines illustrating 

 the "doctrine of signatures," much regarded in oriental and ancient 

 European medicine; surgical instruments and appliances of all sorts; 

 medicinal substances, giving source and uses of each. 



The value of a museum specimen, as such, is largely proportionate 

 to the amount of information which accompanies it, and to which it 

 directs attention. Therefore, the facts regarding the nature, source, 

 mode of preparation, attributed virtues, mode of use, and attendant 

 ceremonials, together with the localities where used, and the class of 

 people using it, should be given in the fullest possible detail. 



Material which can be sent by mail should be addressed to the 

 United States National Museum, Washington, D. C. (for the Division 

 of jNIedicine). If packages are too large for the mail, write to the 

 Museum for shipping instructions. 



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