Edwin Smith

The Edwin Smith Surgical Papyrus is an ancient Egyptian medical text from around 1600 BCE, considered one of the earliest known surgical manuals. It details anatomical observations, injuries, and treatments, emphasizing a rational approach to medicine and the importance of trauma assessment. Unlike other texts that mix magic and medicine, it presents practical, evidence-based descriptions of injuries—especially head and brain injuries—and treatments, reflecting a scientific understanding of anatomy and injury management for its time. It’s a valuable historical document illustrating the advanced medical knowledge of ancient Egypt.