Show scientists on trail of fire secrets of indians one of the oldest mysteries the reputed ability of savage priests and medicine men to make themselves immune to fire Is to be investigated this summer bv agents of the smithsonian Smiths onlan institution dr truman of that institution has been studying the sacred beliefs and folk lore of the tribe of indians in iowa among this lore he found the habit of medicine men conducting certain ceremonies to plunge their bare arms into boiling water or to take up and handle burning firebrands fire brands educated members of the tribe ascribe this trick to the previous bathing of the hands and arms in the juice of an unnamed weed which grows profusely in the prairie country the juice 11 Is believed protects the skin tern por arlly heat pathfinder magazine |