Research Catalog

Title

Peyote : the divine cactus / Edward F. Anderson.

Author

Anderson, Edward F., 1932-2001

Publication

Tucson : University of Arizona Press, c1980.

Items in the Library & Off-site

Holdings

Details

Description

xvi, 248 p. : ill., maps; 24 cm.

Summary

Dry whiskey, Divine herb, DevilÕs root, Medicine of God, Peyote: for some people, to use it is to hear colors and see sounds. For many Native Americans, it brings an ability to reach out of their physical lives, to communicate with the spirits, and to become complete. For chemists, pharmacologists, and psychiatrists, the plant is fascinating in its complexity and in the ways its chemicals work upon the human mind.What is it in peyote that causes such unusual effects? Can modern medical science learn anything from Native AmericansÕ use of peyote in curing a wide variety of ailments? What is the Native American Church, and how do its members use peyote? Does anyone have the legal right to use drugs or controlled substances in religious ceremonies?Within this volume are answers to these and dozens of other questions surrounding the controversial and remarkable cactus. Greatly expanded and brought up-to-date from the 1980 edition, these pages describe peyote ceremonies and the usersÕ experiences, and also cover the many scientific and legal aspects of using the plant. Well written, informative, comprehensive, and enlightening, the book will be welcomed by counselors, anthropologists, historians, physicians, chemists, lawyers, and observers of the contemporary drug scene, as well as by interested general readers.

Subject

• Peyote
• Peyotism
• Indians of North America > Rites and ceremonies
• Indians of North America > Religion
• Indians, North American
• Mescaline

Bibliography (note)

• Includes bibliographical references (p. 211-242) and index.

ISBN

• 0816506809 :
• 0816506132 (pbk.)

LCCN

^^^79020173^

OCLC

5336861

Owning Institutions

Harvard Library