Download PDF by Virgil J. Vogel: American Indian Medicine (The Civilization of the American

The goal of this ebook, says the writer, is to teach the influence of Indian medicinal practices on white civilization. really it achieves way more. It discusses Indian theories of affliction and strategies of struggling with sickness or even is going into the query of which ailments have been indigenous and that have been dropped at the Indian by way of the white guy. It additionally lists Indian medicinal drugs that experience received popularity within the Pharmacopeia of the United States and the National Formulary.

The impact of yank Indian therapeutic arts at the drugs and therapeutic and pharmacology of the white guy used to be massive. for instance, such medications as insulin and penicillin have been expected in rudimentary shape by way of the aborigines. Coca leaves have been used as narcotics by means of Peruvian Indians 1000's of years prior to Carl Koller first used cocaine as an area anesthetic in 1884. All jointly, approximately one hundred seventy drugs, regularly botanical, have been contributed to the legit compendia through Indians north of the Rio Grande, approximately 50 extra coming from natives of the Latin-American and Caribbean regions.

Impressions and attitudes of early explorers, settlers, physicians, botanists, and others relating to Indian healing practices are said by means of nation-states, with British, French, and Spanish colonies and the younger usa individually treated.

Indian theories of disease—sorcery, taboo violation, spirit intrusion, soul loss, unfulfilled goals and wishes, and so forth -and shamanistic practices used to wrestle them are defined. equipment of treating all types of injuries-from fractures to snakebite-and even surgical procedure are integrated. The effect of Indian therapeutic lore upon people or family medication, in addition to at the "Indian medical professionals" and patent medicinal drugs, are mentioned. For the ease of the reader, an index of botanical names is supplied, including a large choice of illustrations. The disproportionate cognizance that has been given to the superstitious and unscientific beneficial properties of aboriginal drugs has tended to vague its actual contributions to American civilization.