remedy, but Persian doctors affirm
that it will cure, and that skeptics should try it. Pork is never used
as food, but it is believed to remove rheumatism when bound on the
parts afflicted.

There are now some medical men in Persia who have graduated in an
American or European medical college. Patients for whom they have
prescribed often consult the Mujtahid before taking the medicine. Once
a man with a diseased foot came to Dr. Cochran for treatment. The
doctor told him that his life could be saved by amputating the foot.
The patient consulted a Mujtahid who told him that it was against
religion to part with any member of the body. Therefore the patient
retained his foot and died. The modern midwife is greatly needed in
Persia as many women die for want of attention, and it is against the
law for male doctors to give them treatment. The name hospital was
unknown in Persia before the missionaries came. But, thanks to God, we
have to-day three missionary hospitals. The good they do cannot be
expressed in words. They are open for all no matter what their beliefs.
The largest one is in Oroomiah. It is under the charge of Dr. Cochran,
a godly man, who is known in all Persia. The late Shah appreciated his
work so much that he gave him the highest degree that is possible to
give to a foreigner. When patients enter these hospitals, lie down on
clean beds, are given good food and kind treatment, they are surprised,
and sometimes have said that heaven cannot be a nicer place. Some wild
Kurds have been brought to the hospitals. They came in like roaring
lions but went out meek as lambs. Hundreds of people have been snatched
from the mouth of the grave by treatment received here. They cure not
only the body but the soul also. Two wild Kurds who were healed here
became Christians and are now active church-members. Dr. Cochran has
from six to ten native students of medicine. They take a three years'
course, and some of them have become such useful physicians that the
Shah gave them the title of count. The Mohammedans have confidence in
the Christian doctors, and send for them to treat their children and
wives in all cases except childbirth.

COUNTRY SCHOOLS.

There were no schools for common education among the people before the
missionaries came. They met with some opposition in starting country
schools from superstitious old men. They said the Europeans and
Americans are a cunning people. They will fill our children's heads