ROCKY MOUNTAIN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 93 
made into canes and used as a moxa, burning it over 
the seat of pain, so as to form a sore. Charlevoix re- 
marks that they possessed several cauterants, promi- 
nent among which was rotten wood, probably punk. 
Pitcher says that for hernia they used bandages with 
pads, but when strangulation ensued they were unable 
to afford relief 
By some historians the toothache is stated to have 
been comparatively common among the Indians. 
Loskiel states that they used in this affection an ap- 
plication of the bark of the white walnut to the cheek, 
and when relief was not obtained by such remedies, 
Brickell tells us the tooth was punched out, by placing 
a piece of cane against it, which was then struck in such 
a manner as to drive the tooth out, which is done 
without injury to the bone. The same author speaks 
of the success of the Indian physicians in their treat- 
ment of burns. Similar testimony is given by Loskiel, 
who says they made applications of a decoction of 
beech-leaves in such cases. A long list of the medi- 
cines used by the Indians may be seen in Hunter's 
Narrative, in Schoolcraft, and in a recent report by 
Major Powell. Loskiel, in referring to long confine- 
ments which produce bed-sores, states that they adopt 
the following method for the comfort and relief of the 
patient. They make a soft bed of straw, and under 
the part where the buttock rests they make an aper- 
ture to relieve pressure and through which the natural 
evacuations may take place. 
Bleeding was a common and popular practice among 
nearly all tribes. Henry, in his travels, says it was 
held in such general favor that even those in good 
