CHAPTER XII. 



Diseases — Medical and Surgical knowledge — Drunkenness , 

 and other vices— 'Ideas o? God, and of a future state-— Su- 

 perstition, and practice of the Magi — Expiatory tortures, 



The Omawhaws endure sickness and pain with great for- 

 titude ; most of them, when thus afflicted, rarely uttering a 

 murmur. Their catalogue of diseases, and morbid affections, 

 is infinitely less extensive than that of civilized men. 



Rheumatism is rare, and gout appears to be unknown. 

 No case of phthisis or of jaundice fell under our observa- 

 tion. King's-evil is not uncommon, and although they have 

 no reliance on the sanative touch of a king or chief, yet, as 

 their practice seems confined to an inefficacious ablution with 

 common water, many fall victims to the disease. Many are 

 also afflicted with ulcers, which sometimes terminate fatally. 

 Decayed teeth are rare. Plica polonica is unknown. Bald- 

 ness seems to be also unknown, the hair being always retain- 

 ed, however advanced the age of the individual. 



Nymphomania occurred in the person of a widow, who 

 was thus afflicted about two months ; her symptoms were 

 attended with an effusion of blood from the nose. On her 

 recovery, she attributed the disorder to the operation of some 

 potent mystic medicine. 



Hypochondriasis seems to be unknown. Canine madness 

 also appears to be without an example, their dogs not hav- 

 ing yet been visited by the disease. They are rarely afflict- 

 ed with dysentery, though childreu are sometimes subject 



