The Edwin Smith Papyrus: Case Forty

A WOUND IN THE BREAST

TITLE: Instructions concerning a wound in his breast.

EXAMINATION: If thou examinest a man having a wound in his breast, penetrating to the bone, perforation the manubrium of his sternum, thou shouldst press the manubrium of his sternum with thy fingers, (although) he shudders exceedingly.

DIAGNOSIS: Thou shouldst say concerning him: "One having a wound in his breast, penetrating to the bone, perforating the manubrium of his sternum. An ailment which I will treat."

TREATMENT: Thou shouldst bind it with fresh meat the first day; thou shouldst treat it afterward with grease, honey, (and) lint every day, until he recovers.

NOTE A: As for: "The manubrium of his sternum," (it means) the upper head of his sternum; it is like it were a porcupine.

case thirty-nine
index of The Edwin Smith Papyrus
case forty-one