and other Caucasian features, was practiced before comparatively
modern times, there is no doubt that it was conscientiously
believed in by its members, and for a time regarded with reverence
by the people. But at a later period it became still
further demoralized and fell under suspicion of witchcraft.

There is no doubt that the Indian held medicine close to
spiritual things, but in this also he has been much misunderstood;
in fact everything that he held sacred is indiscriminately called
"medicine," in the sense of mystery or magic. As a doctor he was
originally very adroit and often successful. He employed only
healing bark, roots, and leaves with whose properties he was
familiar, using them in the form of a distillation or tea and
always singly. The stomach or internal bath was a valuable
discovery of his, and the vapor or Turkish bath was in general use.
He could set a broken bone with fair success, but never
practiced surgery in any form. In addition to all this, the
medicine-man possessed much personal magnetism and authority, and
in his treatment often sought to reestablish the equilibrium of the
patient through mental or spiritual influences--a sort of primitive
psychotherapy.

The Sioux word for the healing art is "wah-pee-yah," which
literally means readjusting or making anew. "Pay-jee-hoo-tah,"
literally root, means medicine, and "wakan" signifies spirit or
mystery. Thus the three ideas, while sometimes associated, were
carefully distinguished.

It is important to remember that in the old days the
"medicine-man" received no payment for his services, which were of