Note 42 — LECTURE II. The Origin and Contents of Primitive Religions.

The phenomena of “demoniac possession” are so remarkable, and so frequent in lower conditions of culture that they have been defended as the actual influence of evil spirits by intelligent modern observers (see the work of Rev. Dr. Nevins, Demoniac Possession in China, etc.). Bishop Calloway says most of the negro converts in Natal have such attacks after embracing Christianity (Jour. Anthrop. Society, vol. i., p. 171). Brough Smith describes such attacks among the Australians. Strong men are suddenly seized with violent convulsions. They dance wildly, scream at the top of their voices, foam at the mouth, and continue until utterly exhausted. They are homicidal when in this condition, and their companions fear to approach them (The Aborigines of Victoria, vol. i., p. 466).