THE DOCTOR. 



323 



variably suggesting the presence of poison, the medical 

 practitioner proceeds to the cure ; this is generally a 

 charm or periapt bound round the part affected. In 

 common diseases, however, like fever, the mganga will 

 condescend to such profane processes as adhibiting ster- 

 nutatories and rubbing the head with vegetable pow- 

 ders. If the remedies prove too powerful or powerless, 

 he at once decamps; under normal circumstances he 

 incapacitates himself for performing his promise of 

 calling the next day by expending his fee in liquor. The 

 Africans have in one point progressed beyond Europeans: 

 there are as many women physicians as men. 



y 2 



