Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1883-09-12
Indian Doctors.

DR.. G. Archie Stockwell in independent
There is widespread belief bynO means Jon
| fined to the vulgar, that the Indian is prefer
naturally wise in all that pertains to the surgi-
cal and healing art; that he is endowed with
Inherent knowledge. whereby he recognizes the
virtue and remedial value of every native plant,
tree or shrub, while his pathological informa-
ton. untrammeled by anatomical and physio-
logical relations, exceeds the developments of
centuries of scientific research The real mira
Gle, however. is how so utterly silly and absurd
an idea ever gained credence or how it to-day
secures supporters among the clergy and MEM
bers OF the bar. even those who delight to dis
play the d. d., Ill. D., Phi. D., etc. since there is
not the slightest foundation therefor. either in
analogy or fact. The savage recognizes no
influences, even in the most common ard
simplest affairs Of life, that are not
the direct product OF the supernatural
He has no conception of the relations of cause
and effect; physiological and PATHOLOGICAL con-
dltions and applications are beyond the utmost
scope OF his reasoning; and when he does re-
sort to the use Of drugs, herbal or mineral,
which is but rarely, it is not with view of OBJ
tanning any remedial action. but solely for their
supposed influence. propitatory or obnoxious as
the case may be, upon the spirit or spirits whose
presence is the embodiment of the disorder.
The medicine man. even is ignorant of any
virtue in drugs beyond these, except, perhaps,
as he may be influenced by civilized associa-
lions; and the world is indebted for it's primary
knowledge of indigenous growths, not to the
savage. but to the accidental empirical expert
ments OF his white associates more particularly
the Jesuit missionaries all of whom possess
more or less botanical education along with a
smattering of therapeutics. It is from them
the Indian has derived, and not to whom he has
impaired, the little that can be placed to his
credit
The "Indian DOCTOR who perambulates our
cities and villages preying upon the supersti-
tons of civilization is seldom or never a stmedi-
cine man." but some shrewd, half-ciyized
knave, who has taken a leaf out of the white
mans book In an attempt to replenish his
pockets BY an assumption of dignity entirely
foreign to his real character. by imperturbable
ways, preternaturally wise ana stOical looks
and stern brevity of speech, the reasons tor
which are obvious he fools his credulous white
admirers to the top of their bent. He is always
a drunken scOundrel, and one who at home
secures nothing but the scOrn and contempt OF
his race not one of whom would accent the dog
wood bitters. tag-alder teas, prickly ash stems,
crow-berry bark decOctiOns. sumac infusiOns,
mandrake physc and other nauseous COM
pounds with which he drenches his white
dupes.
Extensive knowledge of Indian "medicine,
and acquaintance with savage character. places
me in position to speak authoritatively in these
matters; and l SOlemnly affirm to my readers
that medicine and surgery as understood in
civilized communities. are almost wholly I'M
known. Were l to relate the barbarities
practiced for the healing even OF the simplest
wounds the bmtalities entailed by simple
arrowhead puncture, the cruelties and filthy and
disgusting observances that prevail in the most
ordinary of everyday matters where the heal
ing art is demanded. they would scarce be cred
tied; consequently in my variations 1 will be
forced to cOnfine myself to the curious and
snperstitious. Scarifcation Cracking the limbs
and the entire body with knives), the actual
cautery (burning with red-hot irons or
stones), and the hot vapor (steam) bath are
among the simplest Of surgical operations; for
the most extravaganza ideas prevail regarding
the most tritling disabilities. Think, tor in
stance, of the inherent native skill" that
caused all the soft parts Of mans throat to be
torn out piecemeal by pair of bullet molds in
the hands Of medicine man simply because of
! slight hacking cough arising from an elon-
gated uvula and relaxed palate. The object in
view was not only to drive away the spirit,
which had been done by conjuration, but to so
mntiiate the parts that it should find no lurking
place on its return Little wonder it caused
the poor fellows DEATH But the friends had
the satisfaction Of knowing he died in liable
hands" and according to the highest principle
| of (sayaye) medical art !"