OLD BELIEFS

Opotiki News, Volume II, Issue 165, 31 March 1939, Page 3

OLD BELIEFS

ANIMAL WORLD CURES MEDICINAL “PROPERTIES” One cl the oldest belief's of mankind is that animAls or parts oi animals have curative and medicinal properties. For instance, in the time of ancient Rome, physicians used to treat rheumatism with shocks from electric ray fish ; and the application of leeches for various ailments, was common. In the nineteenth century a Norwich dealer kept a regular stock of 50.000 leeches, and one American had a iarm for these creatures covering 13 acres. A London chemist still sells several thousand's of leeches each year. More incredible were cures prescribed in the seventeenth century. A boiled door-mouse was recommended for earache, and the same animal’s fat._ applied to the solos of the feet, Was said to induce sleep. In Alaiaya the oris is pursued because it is thought that the little beast has tho power to cure all sicknesses. The 1* ar East sells rhino horn at llgns. per pound, for tlio horn, crushed tc powder and taken internally’, is reported to be an infallible rejuvenator for the old and weary. The fat of various snakes was sold in jars in tlie .streets of London less than 30 years ago, and presumably the product could be used externally or internally. A more scientific product of the snake world is venom, which has a coagulating effect that is very useful in cases of profuse bleeding. The liver oils of cod and halibut have genuine ancll well-known curative powers; but on a different basis are the seventeenth century’ suggestions of crabs’ eyes for baldness anil shrews’ tails for stubborn sores.