Primitive Practices and Ideas
Professor C. G. Seligman

This is the first of two broadcasts by Professor Seligman in this series, and will deal with the power of the mind, which by suggestion and ideas influences our bodies. Sometimes consciously, sometimes unconsciously. The instinct that warns us of danger is an example of the subconscious mind at work, and it is highly developed in both savages and animals. Powerlessness to act, though we are aware of the danger, is a conflict between our conscious and subconscious minds, and can result not only in indecision but in actual paralysis of limbs. In this interesting talk, such things as magic, curses, and spells, possession, trances, and ecstasy among primitive peoples will be dealt with.