2nd A form of madness known to attack those who are in the initiation or student stage for the position of Isanusi, when they are supposed to be in communication with the [[73]]“Imi-shologu” departed spirits. During the initiation the candidate is hypnotised by the Isanuse and made to see and converse with these spirits, as it is from them that all his knowledge comes when in practice. As one would expect, the impressions of the lessons are at times lasting and unhinge the minds of weak ones, who continue to have delusions and are then considered to be possessed by their departed ancestors. In the treatment of this, therefore, every endeavour is made to propitiate these ancestors, by sacrifices and offerings, mostly with the assistance of one of the witch doctors. In the old days of Chacka a case is recorded as occurring, and after treatment had failed either to kill or cure, the maniac was sent to join his ancestors by order of the king (the greatest doctor). A truly summary method of at once appeasing the offended spirits and getting rid of a troublesome customer.

3rd. Uku-posela, evidently Acute Mania, attributed to being bewitched by some one having a grudge, and the process of smelling out “Ukunuka” as described previously is gone through. [[74]]

Tetanus. Supposed to be due to having crossed the path of the Icanti (water snake) or Inamba (python) and the plants used in snakebite are administered as well as the usual observance of ceremonies calculated to appease the wrath of the ancestor whom the snake represents.

Sunstroke. Uku-zolika or Uku-hlatywa lilanga, is well recognised and fairly common amongst the workers of the fields.

Treatment. 1. The sufferer is placed in as cool a place as is available, soused with cold water, and drugged with emetics and purgatives.

2. Seated in a cool spot on the ground his finger and thumb tips are freely incised so that he may bleed, and he is dosed freely with Ubuhlungu (teucrium Capense), a carminative snakebite cure.

Toothache. Ama-zinyo. The Kaffirs say that in the old days this was unknown, and they attribute it now to eating food cooked and hot.

Treatment. Small doses and local application of Ubuhlungu benyoka “Acocanthera venenata” a nervine tonic and favourite snake-bite [[75]]cure are used; or the sufferer chews the bark of the Um-nungumabele (Xanthoxylon Capense) and expectorates the juice; or a paste may be made of the powdered bark and placed in the hollow tooth (this is another favourite snakebite and anthrax drug). Other plant drugs used in much the same way are:—

All having distinct antiseptic and anæsthetic values.