DEN.SMOItE] 



PLANTS AS MEDICINE 



329 



were scalded or steeped. Some roots were boiled in a thin sirup 

 made of maple sugar, to give a pleasant flavor. Poultices and com- 

 presses were made by moistening the pounded fresh or dry roots or 

 herbs. The strength of a decoction varied with the nature of the 

 root and the age of the patient. A common proportion was a " hand- 

 hollow-ful " of pulverized root to about a quart of water, but some 

 roots were exceedingly strong and required special direction. Thus 

 one root (calamus), although only about one-eighth of an inch in 

 diameter, was so strong that the quantity used was measured by the 

 length of the patient's index finger, whether an infant or an adult. 



It was the author's intention to collect herbs which have medicinal 

 use when administered singly. This presented some difficulties, as 

 the Chippewa use combinations of herbs, sometimes as many as 

 20 vegetable substances being combined in one remedy. One 

 medicine woman Avho practices medicine widely for money at the 

 present time called special attention to the value of herbs in combi- 

 nations. She appeared to attach more importance to combinations 

 than to specifics, except in instances of simple definite value. While 

 the tabulated lists (pp. 336-367) contain some combinations it will be 

 noted that almost without exception each herb is considered effica- 

 cious if used alone. In some instances the combination of the herbs 

 shows an interesting and intelligent purpose. 



The quantity for a decoction and the size of a dose were difficult 

 to determine with any degree of accuracy. One medicine woman who 

 was particularly careful in her statements brought the pail in which 

 she usually prepared her remedies, and it was found to hold about 

 a pint. It appeared that she prepared smaller quantities than other 

 persons, as a majority said they prepared their medicines in a lard 

 pail, filling it to within V/ 2 or 2 inches of the top. In the tabulated 

 list of remedies the quantity of water is given as a quart, except 

 in remedies prepared by the above-mentioned woman, for whose 

 preparations a smaller amount is designated. Decoctions were 

 usually boiled five or ten minutes. In only two instances (see pp. 

 339,365) was there anything partaking of a ceremonial character in 

 the preparing of liquid medicines, it being said that " the talking was 

 all done when the roots were dug." In one of these instances there 

 was something resembling a divination, the doctor watching the 

 manner in which the powdered roots lay in the water and deciding 

 thereby whether the medicine would be effective. The person who 

 described this remedy was well versed in the ways of the Mide and 

 said she had never heard of this being done in the preparation of any 

 other remedy. 



Liquid medicine was not measured when taken. A "large swal- 

 low " constituted an average dose, but a cupful was occasionally 

 55231°— 28 22 



