Exercise
For students and teachers, this suggested exercise encourages further reflection and thought on the topics discussed in the pages in this section of the Web of Healing.
Critically Evaluating Sources
As discussed in the essay on Benjamin Rush and Benjamin Smith Barton, historical documents do not always agree. One of the methods of the historian for understanding the past is the comparison of different accounts of the same subject. This assignment will allow you a chance to work through this method of analysis for Native-American medicine in the 18th century.
Essay: Using the links and text excerpts in the bibliography, choose several conflicting passages from primary sources about the origins and efficacy of Native American medicinal knowledge. Based on these excerpts, write a 1,000-word thought-piece attempting to resolve these contradictions. You should posit possible explanations for a person’s acceptance or rejection of indigenous knowledge in 18th-century America and speculate on the types and availability of further evidence that would be required to “get at” this question historically.
Further Research: Beginning with the secondary sources listed in the annotated bibliography (link above), trace citations pertaining to 18th century American Indian healing back to primary source documents. Using a combination of excerpts from this website, books from the library, and any online or archival materials available, write a thoughtful analysis of the strengths and weaknesses these historians’ arguments on the subject. Feel free to include your own opinions, based on evidence found, and/or the types of evidence you would like to see before “weighing in” on the subject.