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MENAGEKIE MEDICINES. 

 By W. B. Bobertson. 



In olden times, before scientific deduction and a knowledge 

 of chemistry had taken the guiding-reins in the practice of 

 medicine, the cures practised, even by command of the then 

 highest medical authorities, were, if viewed through the eyes of 

 our latter-day knowledge, marvellous to the verge of unbelief. 

 The art of printing has preserved to us records of the remedial 

 agents of two and three centuries ago, and a cursory study of 

 these records yields many interesting instances of the crudity of 

 the medical science then in vogue. 



Wild animals were cut apart, and each separate organ was 

 supposed to have a potency, usually bearing some relation to the 

 nature of the animal in life. In this respect the medical beliefs 

 of former centuries had a striking resemblance to the super- 

 stitions which hold sway among some native tribes where various 

 wild animals have their homes to-day. 



The Lion took his place at the head of the list of animals 

 whose parts were held to be efficacious in the conquering of 

 diseases. His heart, dried and reduced to powder, was looked 

 upon as a specific for epilepsy ; his fat was good for all affections 

 of the nerves and for deafness ; his flesh lent increased strength 

 to the brain ; his blood, treated in the same manner as his heart, 

 was an antidote for poisoning, and even his bones in dry powder 

 were used to allay fevers. The Elephant seems to have been 

 required for his tusks only. Grated ivory was administered to 

 fortify the heart, to resist poison, and was also made into a 

 decoction with the same intent. 



The equipment of the Hippopotamus most valued was his 

 teeth. Powder of Hippo teeth was sometimes given to arrest 

 internal bleeding. The Camel was almost as useful as the Lion 

 in regard to the different parts of his anatomy which he was 

 compelled to yield to the service of medicine. It is stated that 



