Abstract

LOPEZ ESPINOSA, José Antonio. Una rareza bibliográfica universal: el Papiro médico de Edwin Smith. ACIMED [online]. 2002, vol.10, n.3, pp.9-10. ISSN 1024-9435.

The main formal and content characteristics of the first scientific document known up to now, the medical papyrus of Edwin Smith, whose original text dates from the times of the initial period of the Old Egyptian Empire, are presented. Some elements are given about the structure of this old documental evidence of the medical and surgical activity. Comments are made on its quality as a singular source of reference on the state of scientific knowledge in that remote stage of the history of mankind. The importance granted to the operative technique at that time compared with the administration of preparations is also known through this document. At the end, it is given an example of the 48 cases approached in the manuscript, which made reference to the steps taken then to treat a mandible dislocation.

Keywords : BIBLIOGRAPHY OF MEDICINE; HISTORY OF MEDICINE; ANCIENT; EGYPT.