To comprehend the essence of healing and refine our approach to the caring profession, we must explore various historical figures. Sir William Osler remarked on the importance of delving into history, noting that we “must come to the land of the Nile for the origin of many of man’s most distinctive and highly cherished beliefs.” He particularly emphasizes the significance of Imhotep, which warrants our attention.
Imhotep: A Visionary in Medicine
Imhotep (2655-2600 BC) stands out as an Egyptian polymath recognized as the earliest known architect, engineer, and physician documented throughout history. He earned great respect not only as a philosopher but also as one of the few commoners to be deified by the Egyptian society posthumously. The Greeks later revered him as Asclepius, the deity of healing, illustrating his profound impact on medical practices.
A Break from Magical Practices
Differentiating himself from contemporaries, Imhotep practiced a form of medicine that strayed from the common belief system of his time, which often attributed illnesses to divine retribution or supernatural forces. Contemporary Egyptians perceived ailments—other than physical injuries—as punishments from deity forces or malevolent spirits. The Papyrus Ebers, while not directly authored by Imhotep, reflects the prevailing medicinal thought of the era, which leaned heavily on magical remedies. In seeking cures, it was common for individuals to consult either a physician or a magician.
Historical scholars, Dr. Axel Karenberg, a medical historian, and Dr. C. Leitz, an Egyptologist, have remarked that the lines distinguishing magic from medicine were blurred in those ancient practices. Bob Brier, an Egyptologist, points out that the nature of the illness dictated treatment modalities—known causes, such as fractures, prompted rational treatments like suturing wounds and applying raw meat, whereas symptoms like fevers might lead to attributing the condition to dark forces.
Embracing Rationality in Healing
Although no writings from Imhotep exist, the Edwin Smith Surgical Papyrus, one of the most critical texts on ancient Egyptian medicine, is attributed to him. Written around 1700 BC, this papyrus diverges from other medical writings of its time by adopting a scientific and rational perspective towards healing. Unlike the Papyrus Ebers, which was infused with magical interpretations, the Edwin Smith Papyrus focuses on detailed observations and practical solutions.
Imhotep, known for constructing the step pyramid at Saqqara, would have encountered numerous injuries due to work accidents. The Edwin Smith Surgical Papyrus meticulously details forty-eight distinct cases, starting with an introduction to the issue, an examination of the victim, and suggestions for diagnosis. Physicians were instructed to make determinations regarding the treatability of injuries. Notably, the text outlines three possible responses: conditions that could be treated, those that would require combatting, and ailments deemed untreatable.
Advancements in Medical Techniques
This ancient text offers insights into sophisticated medical techniques, including suturing, infection control with honey, immobilization for spinal injuries, and the set protocols for various trauma cases. Medical practitioners utilized bandages, splints, and plaster for treatment, as well as herbal remedies like castor oil and aloe vera. Notably, it was revealed that gold had applications for dental work and that abscesses were incised and managed appropriately.
The initial translation of the Edwin Smith Surgical Papyrus by James Henry Breasted unveiled an organized approach to surgery and medical evaluation. This source highlighted a systematic process for identifying and addressing health issues, echoing themes championed by Sir William Osler in later centuries. While contemporary evaluations may regard many ancient treatments as ineffective, Imhotep’s contributions laid foundational principles that inform ongoing developments in medical care. Influenced by Egyptian practices, figures like Hippocrates and Galen would later acknowledge the significance of his legacy in the evolution of medicine.
