Mescal: A Study of a Divine Plant
- Source: Popular Science Monthly (Vol 61 May 1902)
- Author: Havelock Ellis
Summary
Havelock Ellis summarizes what Westerners knew about peyote up until that point. He notes the various names for the cactus incorporated by different peoples (mescal, hikori, peyote, kamaba) and gives a good overview of the initial work of James Mooney and Carl Lumholtz.
Ellis’ description borders on mysticism in some places, speaking as he does about a “certain consciousness of energy” – though he doesn’t say much more about it.
He notes strong visions, and even gives one of the earliest descriptions of seeing fractals (or “arabesques”, as he calls them). Additionally, he leaves us a report from another fellow (a 26-year-old artist), whose experience recalls a Cheshire Cat moon and “pointy-eared creatures.”