264 PRACTICE OF PHYSIC 



my head, at the request of Walderheros, the 

 primitive instrument was withdrawn, the whole 

 operation having been performed by these simple 

 means as speedily and as effectually as with the 

 most expensive apparatus. 



Excepting their acquaintance with some few 

 cathartic remedies, all derived from the vegetable 

 kingdom, the Shoans possess but little knowledge 

 of medicine. A specific effect upon the bowels 

 appears to be absolutely necessary to convince them 

 that the remedy employed is medicine ; and it is 

 upon this principle that the articles contained in 

 their limited " Materia Medica " have been selected. 

 The only exception to this is a demulcent drink, made 

 with honey and the mucilaginous seeds of the soof, 

 Carthqmus tinctorius, which is taken to relieve the 

 local symptoms of ct goomfon " (common catarrh). 



The science of medicine principally consists 

 of mysterious ceremonies, to be observed whilst 

 collecting the few herbs employed as remedies, and 

 in a knowledge of certain absurd formula of cha- 

 racters, which, being inscribed upon a little bit of 

 parchment, is then enclosed in a case of red leather. 

 The amulet is worn around the left arm above 

 the elbow, or among the women around the neck, 

 attached to the front of the mar tab. Pieces of red 

 coral, sea shells, and various other things, are also 

 believed to have protective powers against diseases. 

 Copper rings, especially around the ancles or wrists, 

 are considered to be very efficacious in the cure of 



