A Textual Research on the Ancient Egyptian Medical Manuscript Ebers Papyrus

Abstract

Abstract: Ebers Papyrus is an ancient Egyptian papyrus manuscript which is the earliest book on medicine. It was unearthed in the second half of the 19th century. This manuscript was probably copied in 1500 BC. The earliest paragraph of it could trace back to 3400 BC. Perhaps, it was copied by the Royal Library of Ancient Egypt for protecting the vulnerable papyrus books. This paper briefly reviewed the layout, contents and research progress of Ebers Papyrus. The manuscript is considered the origin of ancient Greek medicine, and it has profound significance for the study of medical history and the comparative study of Eastern and Western medicine. In a word, it is worth studying because of its historical, cultural and medical research value. The research of the papyrus was concentrated on translation and philology, while its worth of clinic needs further study.

Key words: Ancient Egypt, Traditional medicine, Ebers Papyrus

Shi Shuyin, Duan Yishan, Wang Xingyi (The Institute of Science, Technology and Humanities, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine). A Textual Research on the Ancient Egyptian Medical Manuscript Ebers Papyrus[J]. Libraly Journal, 2021, 40(12): 119-125.

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