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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which is NOT one of the "visionary arts" that the author mentions at the beginning of Appendix 3?
(a) Theatrical spectacle.
(b) Pageantry.
(c) Fireworks.
(d) Religious ritual.

2. Which physiological system's tissues are more "vulnerable," according to the author, than the others?
(a) The limbic system.
(b) The nervous system.
(c) The gastrointestinal system.
(d) The cardiovascular system.

3. To what researcher does the author refer when commenting on the first technique in Appendix 1?
(a) Tamachi.
(b) Kristoff.
(c) Klein.
(d) Meduna.

4. What is the potential danger of the second technique described in Appendix 1?
(a) It may last longer than the user originally intended.
(b) It may create an unpleasant sensation of nausea or vertigo.
(c) It may cause an epileptic seizure.
(d) It may produce long-term changes in brain function.

5. The substance being tested has been used by Native Americans of what region for hundreds of years?
(a) The Northeast.
(b) The Southeast.
(c) The Midwest.
(d) The Southwest.

6. How does the author respond when the researcher asks him if his experience with the drug is positive or negative?
(a) It is positive for him, but he can see where it would be frightening for others.
(b) It is mostly negative, but the positive parts make it worthwhile.
(c) It is neither positive nor negative; it just is.
(d) It is mostly positive, but frightening at times.

7. According to the author, which form of art is most practically useful?
(a) Sculpture.
(b) Ceramics.
(c) Literature.
(d) Architecture.

8. Why are religious beings often portrayed doing nothing?
(a) Because it would be sacreligious to presume to know what divine beings do with their time.
(b) Because it is too difficult for most painters to make something beautiful and to also convey a message with it.
(c) Because their role is not an active one.
(d) Because human beings are not predisposed to look for action in art.

9. To what does the author compare someone fasting and self-flagellating, instead of using drugs, to achieve a visionary experience?
(a) Burning down a house to roast a pig.
(b) Rowing a boat, or using a motor.
(c) Tying your hands together and trying to knit.
(d) Driving somewhere instead of flying there.

10. Which of these is NOT a specialist who the author feels should be consulted by an aspiring mystic?
(a) Pharmacologist.
(b) Ornithologist.
(c) Psychologist.
(d) Biochemist.

11. What film does the author reference as an example of the distorted documentary?
(a) "Queen Mab."
(b) "The Revolt of Islam."
(c) "The Living Desert."
(d) "NY, NY."

12. In what type of plant is the substance being tested commonly found?
(a) A bush.
(b) A tree.
(c) A flower.
(d) A cactus.

13. Why were our ancestors' visions often negative, according to the author?
(a) They believed in the Devil and were afraid of damnation.
(b) They had shorter life spans.
(c) Their visions were induced by a different means.
(d) They lived in more dangerous environments.

14. What is the drawback to the "visionary arts" mentioned in Appendix 3?
(a) They can only be experienced in large groups.
(b) They are ephemeral, and earlier masterpieces have been lost to us.
(c) They are experienced differently by each individual, so no one understands how another experiences them.
(d) They require a great deal of time, effort and expense to put on.

15. According to the author, in Appendix 2 what was the result of our ancestors' winter diets?
(a) By spring, they were suffering from scurvy and pellagra.
(b) They often had cravings for foods that weren't available to them, which made them irritable.
(c) They lost a great deal of weight during the winter.
(d) They sometimes died because they went out searching for food when the weather was still inclement and wintry.

Short Answer Questions

1. The substance produced by the breakdown of adrenaline mimics the effect of what psychological disorder?

2. According to the author in Appendix 2, how would "proponents of a 'Nothing-But' philosophy" interpret mystical experiences?

3. The author feels that all human beings are naturally what?

4. How would a spiritual person interpret chemically-induced visionary experiences?

5. Why is it important that people can sometimes be hypnotized by gemstones?

(see the answer keys)

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