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Show Scientists on Trail of Fire Secrets of Indians One of the oldest scientific mysteries, mys-teries, the reputed ability of savage priests and medicine men to make themselves Immune to fire, Is to be investigated this summer by agents of the Smithsonian institution. Dr. Truman Michelson, of that institution, institu-tion, has been studying the sacred beliefs and folk-lore of the Fox 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. Educated members mem-bers of the Fox tribe ascribe this trick to the previous bathing of the hands and arms in the juice of an unnamed weed which grows profusely profuse-ly in the prairie country. The juice, it is believed, protects the skin temporarily tem-porarily against heat. Pathfinder Magazine. |