Philosophy and Practice of Ancient Egyptian Medicine
[Pages:27]2/21/2012
Philosophy and Practice of Ancient Egyptian Medicine
Kip L. McGilliard, Ph.D.
Egyptian Culture
Civilization far exceeded that of other groups who settled elsewhere
More is known about Egypt than any other ancient culture
Egyptian society was held together by an absolute monarchy
1
Ancient Writing
Hieroglyphics
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Ancient Writing
Hieroglyphics
? Carved in stone or written on paper scrolls called papyri
2
Immortality
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Immortality
Book of the Dead 3
Mummies
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Mummies
Preserved by dessication Powdered natron packed into body
cavities Heart and kidneys left in place Other internal organs
removed and placed in jars or wrapped separately
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Medical Examination of Mummies
Autopsy
Medical Examination of Mummies
Autopsy X-rays
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Medical Examination of Mummies
Autopsy X-rays CT scans
Height (inches)
Growth
Average Adult Height
80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10
0 Male
Female
Ancient Egyptian
Modern Egyptian
Modern American
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Life Expectancy
Average age of marriage was 15-20 years for men and 12-13 years for women
Half of Egyptians died by age 34 90% died by age 50 Ramses II lived to be 92 years old
Diseases Found in Mummies
Heart
? Pericarditis ? Atherosclerosis
Lungs
? Emphysema ? Pneumoconiosis ? Pneumonia ? Tuberculosis
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Diseases Found in Mummies
Kidneys
? Kidney stones ? Glomerulosclerosis
Digestive system
? Tapeworm, including guinea worm
Bone
? Osteoarthritis ? Evidence of violent deaths
Brain
? Stroke
Few cases of cancer
Dental Medicine
Few dental caries Extreme wear on the crowns Dental bridge attached by gold wire
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