History of Medicine
By M Zuraimy

Herbalism

There is no actual record of when the use of plants for medicinal purposes first started, although the first generally accepted use of plants as healing agents were depicted in the cave paintings discovered in the Lascaux caves in France, which have been Radiocarbon dated to between 13,000 – 25,000 B.CE.

Over time and with trial and error, a small base of knowledge was acquired within early tribal communities. As this knowledge base expanded over the generations, tribal culture developed into specialized areas. These ‘specialized jobs’ became what are now known as healers or Shaman.

Egyptian Medicine

Medical information contained in the Edwin Smith Papyrus date as early as 3,000 B.C. The earliest surgery was performed in Egypt around 2,750 B.C.

Imhotep in the 3rd dynasty is credited as the founder of ancient Egyptian medicine and as the original author of the Edwin Smith Papyrus, detailing cures, ailment and anatomical observations.

The Edwin Smith Papyrus is regarded as a copy of several earlier works and was written circa 1,600 B.C as an ancient textbook on surgery and describes in exquisite detail in the examination, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of numerous ailment.

Medical institutions are known to have established in ancient Egypt since as early as the 1st Dynasty. By the time of the 19th Dynasty their employees enjoyed such benefits as medical insurance, pensions, sick leave and worked eight hours per day.

The earliest known physician is also credited to ancient Egypt: Hesrye, ìChief of Dentists and Physicianì for King Djoser in the 27th century B.C. Also the earliest women physician, Peseshet, practiced in Ancient Egypt at the time of the 4th dynasty. Her title was ìLady Overseer of the Lady Physicians.

Indian Medicine

Ayurveda (the science of living), the Vedic system of medicine originating over 3,000 years ago, views health as harmony between body, mind and spirit.

Its two most famous text belong to the schools of Charaka and Sushruta. According to Charaka, health and disease are not predetermined and life may be prolonged by human effort. Sushruta defines the purpose of medicine to cure the diseases of the sick, protect the healthy and to prolong life.