The Edwin Smith Papyrus
Case Nine
WOUND IN THE FOREHEAD PRODUCING A COMPOUND COMMINUTED FRACTURE OF THE SKULL

TITLE: Instructions concerning a wound in his forehead, smashing the shell of his skull.

EXAMINATION: If thou examinest a man having a wound in his forehead, smashing the shell of his head.

TREATMENT: Thou shouldst prepare for him the egg of an ostrich, triturated with grease (and) laced in the mouth of his wound. Now afterward thou shouldst prepare for him the egg of an ostrich, triturated and made into poultices for drying up that wound. Thou shouldst apply to it for him a covering for physician's use; thou shouldst uncover it the third day, (and) find it knitting together the shell, the color being like the egg of an ostrich.

That which is to be said as a charm over this recipe:

Repelled is the enemy that is in the wound!

Cast out is the evil that is in the blood,

The adversary of Horus, on every side of the mouth of Isis.

This temple does not fall down;

There is no enemy of the vessel therein.

I am under the protection of Isis;

My rescue is the son of Osiris.

Now afterward thou shouldst cool it for him with a compress of figs, grease, and honey, cooked cooled, and applied to it.

case eight
index of The Edwin Smith Papyrus
case ten