cal law, in connection with this subject,
reads as follows: "We may circumcise with anything, even with
a flint, with crystal (glass), or with anything that cuts,
except with the sharp edge of a reed, because enchanters made
use of that, or it may bring on a disease; and it is a
precept of the wise men to circumcise with iron, whether in
the form of a knife or scissors, but it is customary to use a
knife." This mention of the objectionable nature of the reed
as a circumcising medium is attributed to the danger that may
arise from splinters. The Fiji Islanders use both a rattan
knife and a sharp splinter of bamboo in performing
circumcision and in cutting the umbilical cord at child-birth.
Herodotus mentions the use of stone knives by the Egyptian
embalmers. Stone knives were supposed to produce less
inflammation than those of bronze or iron, and it was for this
reason that the Cybelian priests operated upon themselves with
a sherd of Samian ware (Samia testa), as thus avoiding danger.
There seems, on the whole, to be a fair case for believing
that among the Israelites, as in Arabia, Ethiopia, and Egypt,
a ceremonial use of stone instruments long survived the
general adoption of metal, and that such observances are to be
interpreted as relics of an earlier Stone Age.--"Researches
into the Early History of Mankind." By Edward B. Tylor. Pages
217-220. London, 1870.

[61] The cannibals of Australia do not eat white people, as the
flesh of these produces a nausea, which the flesh of the
vegetable-fed blacks does not do. The rice-fed Chinese are
considered a treat, and these are slaughtered in great number,
ten Chinamen having been served up at one dinner.--"Among
Cannibals." By Carl Lumholtz. Page 273.

[62] "Cause Moral de la Circoncision." Par le Dr. Vanier. Page 266.

[63] _Ibid._, page 288.

[64] _Cincinnati Clinic_, vol. ii, page 165.

[65] "The Story of the Jews." Hosmer. Page 263.

[66] "Traite d'Hygiene, publique et privee." Michel Levy. 2d.
edition, vol. ii, page 754.

[67] _Ibid._

[68] "Diseases of Modern Life." B. W. Richardson. Page 19.

[69] "Longevity and other Biostatic Peculiari