Rocky Mountains. 263 



time to the action of the steam, but covers himself with his 

 robe and returns home. 



We did not learn, that they possessed any knowledge of 

 cathartic or emetic medicines. But as a substitute for the 

 latter, a feather is thrust down the throat, until its irritating 

 effect produces vomiting. 



For the cure of cholic, warm topical applications are made, 

 and the abdomen is kneaded with the fist. 



They have no substitute whatever for opium, and we do 

 not know that they have any for mercury. 



For the alleviation of an internal local pain, a severe reme- 

 dy is sometimes resorted to. A portion of the medullary sub- 

 stance of a plant, is attached to the skin over the part affect- 

 ed, by means of a little spittle ; it is then touched with fire, 

 and burns slowly down to the skin, upon which a vesication 

 is soon produced, and accomplishes the object intended, of 

 removing, at least for a time, the internal pain to the surface. 

 This seems to be the only species of actual cautery made 

 use of. 



The Indians, who reside in the upper regions of the Mis- 

 souri, practise bleeding for various ailments. This operation 

 is sometimes performed with a knife or arrow point. At 

 other times, and not unusually, a sharp stone is placed upon 

 the part from which blood is to be drawn, and it is then 

 struck with a stick, much in the same manner that veteri- 

 narians operate with the phlegm. They thus bleed in the 

 arm, thigh, leg, &c. 



They never dissect the human body, expressly for the pur- 

 pose of acquiring a knowledge of its structure ; but they 

 have a general idea of the position of the vitals and viscera, 

 acquired upon the field of battle, by their custom of hacking 

 the carcases of the slain ; a knowledge which teaches them 

 on what part of the body of an enemy to strike, in order that 

 the wound may be mortal. 



Gun-shot wounds are administered to by the magi, who 



