Fire Walking : Some first-hand Accounts
Curiosity is inherent in us all. And, perhaps by more than anything else, our interest is aroused and held by the incomprehensible. A nomad fakir reads his prayers on a bed of nails and subjects himself to unbelievable torture. And fire walking, for another instance, leaves us wide-eyed with wonder.
In the autumn of 1927 Indian settlers in Natal performed this rite in Pietermaritzburg in fulfilment of a vow. The ritual over, no injuries were perceivable. How did they escape from ghastly burns? It has been suggested in these talks that in cases like these anaesthesia is in some way induced.
Professor Seligman's talk on Fire Walking a few weeks ago created so much interest among listeners that it has been arranged for two or three speakers tonight to describe instances of Fire Walking which they themselves have witnessed and can vouch for.
The whole series will be summed up next Friday by Professor C. D. Broad.