The Idea of the Soul.

Abstract

Long chapter on anthropological data. Aborigines: Darwin, could not distinguish body and soul. Some think the soul leaves during sleep. (This derived from experiencing dreams). Some thought the shadow was the sould (cf Wilde). Multiple souls a common idea. Many thought the soul very small. Some think the soul is made by the whirlwind. The Maori wairua lived in the head. Atua lived in the eyes which were eaten. Fiji: there is a heaven even for coconuts.Marquesas - nose and mouth of dying man are held to prevent the loss of the soul. Sneezing is often connected with loss of soul. The Laos believed men have 30 spirirts. Account of Zoroastria belief. Chinese belief. Rabbis described the body as a scabbard out of which the soul is drawn at death.