Mesopotamian Medicine

Yashveer SinghMrs. Fellows

Social Studies, Pd. 67 January 2009

Background

• 660 tablets at Ashurbanipal Library• Descriptions of practices, prescriptions• Spirits, supernatural forces, and malfunctioning organs

http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&source=hp&q=ashurbanipal+library&gbv=2&aq=o&oq=&aqi=&safe=active

Ashipu• “sorcerer”• “The hand of” was used to identify spirit• Found out if sickness was result of deeds• Enchantments that forced spirits out• Could refer to asu

http://images.google.com/images?gbv=2&hl=en&safe=active&sa=1&q=spellbook&btnG=Search&start=0

Asu• “physician”• Herbal remedies• Used some current techniques• Bandages, washing, plasters• Plasters=ingredient mixture held by bandages

http://images.google.com/images?gbv=2&hl=en&safe=active&sa=1&q=washing&aq=f&oq=&aqi=&start=0

Hammurabai’s Code• 282 laws• Contained laws about surgeons• Doctors were accountable for fails and errors in surgery• Only mentions liability with “use of a knife”• Other non-surgical doctors were not punished for fails• Liabilites/compensations determined by patient’s social status• If slave was failed during surgery, doctor would have to pay price of slave• If slave was saved, surgeon was only paid two shekels• If a high class was failed, doctor risked removal of hand• If saved, doctor was paid 10 SHEKELS

http://www.imagereferencedatabase.com/myadmin/_files/photogallery/0450b_uzi_defender_fixed_blade_knife_01.jpg

Specific Remedies• Leishmaniasis treatment =vegetable oils and animal fats• To treat swelling of tongue, dry tamarisk leaves, leaves of “adaru-plant”,

leaves of “fox-grape plant”, and “dog’s-tongue plant”• Chop finely• Sift• Knead with kasu-plant juice• Rub top of tongue with butter, then apply medicine• To remove pus of pneumonia victims, make hole in “fourth rib”

(http://www.christiansofiraq.com/medicine10245.html) with a knife

http://images.google.com/images?gbv=2&hl=en&safe=active&sa=1&q=leishmaniasis&btnG=Search&start=0

Change in Medicine• More technology (x-rays, CAT scans, EKG’s, etc.)• More discoveries• Extreme specialization• Microscopes• More hospitals

http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/uploads/VMC/DiseaseImages/739_ct_scan.jpg

Ancient Bandages• made from animal skins and plant material• Treated with cedar, ginger, etc.

http://www.herbalextractsplus.com/images/herbs/ginger-root-bsp.jpg

http://images.google.com/images?gbv=2&hl=en&safe=active&sa=1&q=bandage&btnG=Search&start=0

Bibliography

• "Assyrian and Babylonian medicine was surprisingly advanced." Who are Christians of Iraq? Web. 13 Jan. 2010. <http://www.christiansofiraq.com/medicine10245.html>.

• "Bandages and Dressings - used, body, plant, The Modern Bandage." Medical Discoveries. Web. 13 – Jan. 2010. <http://www.discoveriesinmedicine.com/Apg-Ban/Bandages-and-Dressings.html>.

• "History of Iran: History of ancient Medicine in Mesopotamia & Iran." Iran Chamber Society. Web. 14 Dec. 2009. <http://www.iranchamber.com/history/articles/ancient_medicine_mesopotamia_iran.php>.

• "MEDICINE IN ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA." Indiana University. Web. 14 Dec. 2010. – <http://www.indiana.edu/~ancmed/meso.HTM>.

• Biggs, Robert. “Medicine, Surgery, and Public Health in Ancient Mesopotamia.” – Jaas.org. 14 December 2009. http://www.jaas.org/edocs/v19nl/Biggs-Medicine,%20surgery.pdf