The Edwin Smith Papyrus: Case Twenty

A WOUND IN THE TEMPLE PERFORATING THE BONE

TITLE: Instructions concerning a perforation in his temple, penetrating to the bone, (and) perforating his temporal bone.

EXAMINATION: If thou examinest a man having a wound in his temple, penetrating to the bone, (and) perforating his temporal bone, while his two eyes are blood-shot, he discharges blood from both his nostrils, and a little drops: if thou puttest thy fingers on the mouth of that wound (and) he shudder exceedingly; if thou ask of him concerning his malady and he speak not to thee; while copious tears fall from both his eyes, so that he thrusts his hand often to his face that he may wipe both his eyes with back of his hand as a child does, and knows not that he does so.

DIAGNOSIS: Thou shouldst say concerning him: "One having a wound in his temple, penetrating to the bone, (and) perforating his temporal bone, while he discharges blood from both his nostrils he suffers with stiffness in his neck, (and) he is speechless. An ailment not to be treated."

TREATMENT: Now when thou findest that man speechless, his relief shall be sitting; soften his head with grease, (and) pour milk into both his ears.

case nineteen
index of The Edwin Smith Papyrus
case twenty-one