Scatalogic Rites of All Nations / A dissertation upon the employment of excrementitious remedial agents in religion, therapeutics, divination, witchcraft, love-philters, etc., in all parts of the globe

Name: Scatalogic Rites of All Nations / A dissertation upon the employment of excrementitious remedial agents in religion, therapeutics, divination, witchcraft, love-philters, etc., in all parts of the globe
Author: John Gregory Bourke

By John Gregory Bourke

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About This Book

A global survey documents religious, medical, divinatory, and magical uses of human excrement and urine across cultures, drawing on the author's observations and a wide compilation of sources. It presents ethnographic case studies, such as ritual dances and festival practices, and compares phenomena like the European Feast of Fools and indigenous ceremonies to trace common origins. Chapters analyze therapeutic applications, food practices involving excrement, and associations with witchcraft, love-philters, and folk medicine, citing historical and contemporary authorities. The work aims to place these practices in religious and cultural context, juxtaposing evidence rather than imposing definitive interpretations.

About the Author

John Gregory Bourke

John Gregory Bourke was a 19th-century American army officer and ethnologist, known for his detailed accounts of Native American cultures and military campaigns in the American Southwest. His notable work, "An Apache Campaign in the Sierra Madre," documents his experiences during an expedition against the Chiricahua Apaches in 1883. Bourke's writings often blend personal narrative with anthropological observations, providing valuable insights into the customs and beliefs of various Indigenous peoples. In addition to his military accounts, he explored topics such as medicine and ritual practices in works like "Scatalogic Rites of All Nations," showcasing his diverse interests and contributions to the understanding of cultural practices.