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Olbrechts] the swimmer MANUSCRIPT 159
necessary by migration to a new habitat, by change in the material
culture, or by evolution in the beliefs.
So, for instance, in a formula against bullet wounds the "bullet"
is not mentioned once, and is still spoken of as an arrow; as far as
the expressions used in this formula are concerned, it might have
been used in the pre-Columbian period. But when we scan the
directions we soon see that it has been changed with due regard to the
introduction of firearms. We also find that in those directions
where simples are being prescribed that are foreign to the present
habitat of the Cherokee these are being gradually replaced and super-
seded by plants found in their present locality.
Whereas a formula loses all its power by retracting or adding as
little as one syllable to it, directions and prescriptions may be improved
upon, both grammatically and technically, by any one who
chooses to do so.
Structure of the Formulas
Although the best way of gaining an insight into the structure of
the formulas is to examine the specimens given in the text material,
a few preliminary remarks will not be considered out of place here.
The general pattern according to which the formulas are built is
the following:
1 An exclamation of warning, to attract the attention of the spirit
addressed, as sGe', k^a, ya'.
2. The spirit's name, sometimes his color; the place where he has
his abode.
3. Some expression extolling his power, as "thou powerful wizard
indeed," or "thou penetratest all things," or "nothing can escape
thy sight."
4. A statement as to the cause of the disease, the identity of the
disease causer, or the reason for which the spirit's help is invited.
5. Some depreciatory remarks at the address of the disease, of the
disease causer, of the enemy against whom an incantation is being
recited, etc.
6. Some specific reason why the spirit called upon is expected to
effect relief in this particular instance.
7. An emphatic statement that relief has been effected.
8. A final exclamation, usually yS', sometimes sGe', rarely k'a'.
This, as I have said, is only a general pattern; there is perhaps not
one formula exactly like it, nor does it mention certain other motives,
which occur occasionally, though not so regularly. For example, in
many formulas the cry of the animal spirit invoked is imitated, for
the fox du'; for the rabbit dt'st.^^
''^ These imitative cries are often rather symbolic than onomatopoetic.
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