Editing Ancient Egypt (section)

===Medicine===
{{Main|Ancient Egyptian medicine}}
The medical problems of the ancient Egyptians stemmed directly from their environment. Living and working close to the Nile brought hazards from [[malaria]] and debilitating [[schistosomiasis]] parasites, which caused liver and intestinal damage. Dangerous wildlife such as crocodiles and hippos were also a common threat. The lifelong labors of farming and building put stress on the spine and joints, and traumatic injuries from construction and warfare all took a significant toll on the body. The grit and sand from stone-ground flour abraded teeth, leaving them susceptible to [[abscess]]es (though [[dental caries|caries]] were rare).{{sfnp|Filer|1995|p=94}}

The diets of the wealthy were rich in sugars, which promoted [[Periodontitis|periodontal disease]].{{sfnp|Filer|1995|pp=78–80}} Despite the flattering physiques portrayed on tomb walls, the overweight mummies of many of the upper class show the effects of a life of overindulgence.{{sfnp|Filer|1995|p=21}} Adult [[life expectancy]] was about 35 for men and 30 for women, but reaching adulthood was difficult as about one-third of the population died in infancy.{{efn|Figures are given for ''adult'' life expectancy and do not reflect life expectancy ''at birth.'' ({{harvp|Filer|1995|p=25}})}}

[[File:Edwin Smith Papyrus v2.jpg|thumb|left|The [[Edwin Smith Papyrus|Edwin Smith surgical papyrus]] describes anatomy and medical treatments, written in [[hieratic]], {{circa|1550 BC}}.]]
Ancient Egyptian physicians were renowned in the ancient Near East for their healing skills, and some, such as [[Imhotep]], remained famous long after their deaths.{{sfnp|Filer|1995|p=39}} Herodotus remarked that there was a high degree of specialization among Egyptian physicians, with some treating only the head or the stomach, while others were eye-doctors and dentists.{{sfnp|Strouhal|1989|p=243}} Training of physicians took place at the ''Per Ankh'' or "House of Life" institution, most notably those headquartered in [[Bubastis|Per-Bastet]] during the New Kingdom and at [[Abydos, Egypt|Abydos]] and [[Sais, Egypt|Saïs]] in the Late period. [[Medical papyri]] show [[Empirical evidence|empirical knowledge]] of anatomy, injuries, and practical treatments.{{sfnp|Strouhal|1989|pp=244–246}}

Wounds were treated by bandaging with raw meat, white linen, sutures, nets, pads, and swabs soaked with honey to prevent infection,{{sfnp|Strouhal|1989|p=250}} while [[opium]], [[thyme]], and [[Atropa belladonna|belladona]] were used to relieve pain. The earliest records of burn treatment describe burn dressings that use the milk from mothers of male babies. Prayers were made to the goddess [[Isis]]. Moldy bread, honey, and copper salts were also used to prevent infection from dirt in burns.{{sfnp|Pećanac|Janjić|Komarcević|Pajić|2013|pages=263–267}} Garlic and onions were used regularly to promote good health and were thought to relieve [[asthma]] symptoms. Ancient Egyptian surgeons stitched wounds, set [[broken bones]], and amputated diseased limbs, but they recognized that some injuries were so serious that they could only make the patient comfortable until death occurred.{{sfnp|Filer|1995|p=38}}