Minerals are little used by the natives (although now-a-days Paraffine is a great favourite).
The more valuable remedies have been used by the Herb doctors for ages, and a knowledge of their properties transmitted from one to another, so that there is a considerable heritage of experience to justify their use.
We often find the same herb, perhaps under a different name used by the Gaikas, Gcalekas, Fingoes, Tembus, &c., for the same malady; conclusive proof of the efficacy and ancient origin of its use.
As the maxim of “No cure, no pay” is accepted by both doctor and patient, worthless remedies are sifted out, and the high fee often paid for a cure tends in the same direction.
The Materia Medica of the Kaffir is apparently collected at any time, and they observe no ceremonies in collecting it, nor do they take [[22]]note of the seasons, moon phases, &c., in so doing.
In contrast to what one finds in the Folk Lore of other savage races, the Kaffir tribes appear to take very little heed to the phases of the elements. They have no astronomical knowledge and except in some few authentic cases of eclipse of sun or moon, carry out their daily life uninfluenced by sun, star, or moon.
Perhaps the only seasonal practice known is the habit of the Fingoes in early spring, of taking an emetic, often very strong and lowering the system.
The King is the chief Doctor, but with this exception anyone may become a medicine man or woman.
Domestic remedies are much used amongst the commonality, but such things as appeals to saints or deities do not take place, for the Kaffir has no saint or deity.
Few Surgical Instruments are used. Knives and needles for scarifying: a cupping glass of cowshorn about 6 or 8 inches long are about the only instruments used.