Medical papyri

The medical papyri (or medical papyruses) are a set of ancient Egyptian texts that give background info on medical practices from ancient Egypt. The papyri give details on disease, diagnostics, and remedies of disease, as well as traditional methods and by using magical spells. 

It is thought there were more medical papyri, but many have been lost due to grave robbing. The largest study of the medical papyri to date was undertaken by Berlin University and was titled "Medizin der alten Agypter" (Medicine of ancient Egypt).

Early Egyptian medicine was based on a mixture of magic and religious spells. Most commonly "cured" by use of amulets or magical spells, the illnesses were thought to be caused by spiteful acts or actions. Afterwards, doctors did various medical treatments if needed. The instructions for these medical rituals were later inscribed on papyrus scrolls by the priests performing the actions.

Related pages
 Medicine
 Ancient Egypt
 Papyrus

 Other websites 
 The History and Treatment of the Papyrus Collection at The Brooklyn Museum

Category:Manuscripts
Category:Ancient Egyptian literature
Category:History of medicine