Page 23 - My FlipBook

DENTAL ART AMONG THE ECTPTIANS 23

In this same page 89 manv other remedies corresponding to various
indications are prescrihed.

"To strengthen the teeth:
Powder of the fruit of the dum-pahn Part I
"
Green lead I
Honey " i
To be mixed and the teeth rubbed with it."

The following is another remedy for the same purpose:
"Powder of flint stones Part I
"
Green lead i
"
Honey i
To be rubbed on the teeth."

Next comes a remedy "to cure the growth of iixedu in the teeth,"
that is:
"Dough Part
Beans
Honey
Verdigris
Green lead
To be powdered, mixed, and applied on the teeth."

The word iixedii recurs more than thirty-five times in the Ebers
papyrus, in relation to affections of the most different parts of the body.
By confronting all the passages of the papyrus in which one finds the
word iixedii, Joachim deduces that it does not indicate any special dis-
ease, but has the general signification of "a painful swelling." Accord-
ing to Geist-Jacobi, by "growth of the uxedu in the teeth" may be
understood an alveolar abscess and the consequent swelling of the sur-
rounding parts.
Another remedy is intended for "the cure of the tooth that gnaws
unto the upper part of the flesh."
The translator of the papyrus remarks that by the "upper part of
the flesh" is to be understood the gum. The remedy would, therefore,
correspond to the indication of curing a tooth "that gnaws or gives pain
unto the gum." But as one sees, even putting it in these words, the
meaning is anything but clear. Perhaps the destructive action of the
carious process, reaching as far as the gum, is what is here meant to be
alluded to. Meanwhile here is the receipt:

"Cumin Part I
Incense ... " i
"
Onion I
To be reduced to a paste, and applied on the tooth."