The Origin of Man and of His Superstitions

Name: The Origin of Man and of His Superstitions
Author: Read, Carveth

Read, Carveth

Animism; Human beings -- Origin; Magic; Superstition; Totemism

§ 2. _Of the Origin of Totemism._—Totemism not universal.
          Totemic names sometimes recent, generally ancient.
          Totemism has not the psychological necessity of Magic
          and Animism. Originates with the names of individuals
          or of groups?                                            296-9

    § 3. _The Conceptional Hypothesis of Frazer._—Belief in
          Totems derived from the fancies of women as to cause
          of pregnancy. Criticisms                               299-304

    § 4. _Lang’s Hypothesis._—Names of animals or plants
          given to groups probably by other groups.
          Circumstances of origin having been forgotten,
          explanatory myths are invented with corresponding
          observances. Comments                                    304-7

    § 5. _Totemism and Marriage._—Exogamy, Totemism and
          Marriage Classes. Westermarck’s hypothesis as to
          Exogamy                                                 307-11

    § 6. _The Clansman and his Totem_—perhaps believed to
          have the same soul                                      312-14

    § 7. _Totemism and Magic._—Magical properties of names.
          Transformation. Penalties on breach of observances.
          Control of Totems                                       314-19

    § 8. _Totemism and Animism._—Totems in Australia
          give warnings; are sometimes invoked in aid; the
          Wollunqua. Fusion of Totem with spirit of hero in
          Fiji; in Polynesia. Propitiation of guardian spirits,
          “elder brothers,” species-gods in North and South
          America. Zoolatry in Africa; in Egypt                   319-25


CHAPTER X

  MAGIC AND SCIENCE                                                  326

    § 1. _Their Common Ground._—Both assume uniformity of
          action. Differentiated in opposite directions from
          common-sense                                             326-8

    § 2. _The Differentiation._—The Wizard a
          physician—genuine and magical drugs; a surgeon with
          some knowledge of Anatomy—effective remedies and
          the sucking-cure; of Psychology and suggestion; his
          Physiological Psychology. Knowledge of natural signs;
          Natural signs and Omens; Astronomy and Astrology.
          Rain-rites and Meteorology                              328-37

    § 3. _Why Magic seems to be the Source of
          Science._—Conducted for ages by the same people, and
          develops faster                                        337-340

    § 4. _Animism and Science._—Naturally opposed as caprice
          to uniformity; but, indirectly, Animism is the great
          nurse of Science and Art. Animism and Philosophy.
          Conclusion                                              340-42

  INDEX                                                              345




THE ORIGIN OF MAN AND OF HIS SUPERSTITIONS




CHAPTER I

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The Origin of Man and of His Superstitions

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