14 
TRANSACTIONS OF THE TEXAS ACADEMY OF SCIENCE. 
science’" there must be conformity to the same general principles. If 
the admission must be made, that like hypnotism, they are based upon 
natural laws and are capable of producing certain plrysiological effects, the 
same admission embrace^ the practices of the African “ conjurer” and In¬ 
dian ‘ ‘ medicine man.’ ’ And if we accept the conclusions of such competent 
observers as J. M. Buckley, and others, that these arts sometimes cure 
certain classes of disease, we must condemn them on the ground that, 
like all therapeutic agents, they become dangerous when in the hands of 
one too ignorant to diagnose the disease, and unable tb determine 
whether in a particular case his agent will be productive of good or 
evil. It is very generally agreed that all of these are often followed by 
evil consequences, and that they should be prohibited, save when under 
the direction of competent physicians. By no amount of legislation 
could they be entirely suppressed; but by proper education they could 
be made impossible. If their real nature were understood by those 
upon whom they are attempted, they would never fall under their 
dominion. The truth would make them free! 
