Over the span of history, numerous civilizations have tried to obliterate pain. Various methods have been applied, some with success, others with failure. However, from Ancient China to Ancient Greece, the basic belief that a higher being was responsible for ailments remained stable. People mistakenly believed that illnesses were caused by superstitions, a disfavor of the gods, or possession of evil spirits. People believed that man was not responsible for medicine and therefore, had no power to cure illnesses. These early people believed that ailments were caused by forces out of mans reach. These diseases were therefore "prevented and treated by magic directed against supernatural forces" (Haggard 10). These beliefs gave rise to the shaman and medicine man; spiritual men who tried to rid the patient of demons through herbal concoctions. …
