Ancient Egyptian Medicine Flashcards
Part 1b
What did Ancient Egyptians believe physical wellness was connected to?
Spiritual health
Who was the earliest know Egyptian doctor?
Imhotep
Why did the people believe illness appeared?
Due to the gods’ or evil spirits’ anger. Another reason was that they had to learn a life lesson or redeem their sins.
Where did the Egyptians record their findings?
The Ebers Papyrus
What did the process of mummification teach the Egyptians?
The process of mummification gave the Egyptians anatomical knowledge and taught them the location of organs. Although, mummification did not provide them with physiological knowledge as they did not have a chance to observe the workings of each organ as the person was dead.
Why was the body mummified?
It had to be preserved in order to reach the afterlife.
What was at the centre of the whole process of mummification?
Religious belief
Why did the body have to be in good condition to get to the afterlife?
To house the soul
What is a synonym for mummification?
Embalming
What was the first step in mummification?
To cut the body open and remove the heart, liver, spleen and lungs. These would be placed in canopic jars close to the sarcophagus (coffin)
What was the second step of mummification?
To throw away the brain as it was believed the brain was responsible for pumping blood and the heart was responsible for thought and emotion. It was pulled out through the nose using a long hook.
What was the third step of mummification?
This was to clean the body and sew it back up.
What was the fourth step of mummification?
Coat the body in a salt-like substance called Natron which acts as a preservative and leave for approximately 60 days.
What is the fifth step of mummification?
To stuff the body and make it look more realistic.
What is the sixth step of mummification?
To wrap the body in gauze or bandage.
