Indian Tribes Of The Upper Missouri.

Assiniboine practices include taking care of sick relatives who are not elderly; very aged persons are considered useless. In every camp there are several shamans, both male and female, who sing and heal through various forms. Their anatomical knowledge is confined to being acquainted with larger bones and joints. Diseases are extremely rare, with the exception of tuberculosis, rheumatism and quinsy [sore throat]. Their medicines consist of roots, bleeding, stopping hemorrhage with bandages made of cobwebs, dried pulpy fungus, or very fine inner bark of trees. They amputate fingers and toes, but never limbs. Excerpts only. Sketch. Washington, D.C. : U.S. Govt. Print. Off.,