The Edwin Smith Papyrus: Case Forty-three (idea)

TITLE: Instructions concerning a dislocation of the ribs of his breast.

EXAMINATION: If thou examinest a man having a dislocation of the ribs of his breast, (and) thou findest that the ribs of his breast are projecting and their heads are ruddy, while that man suffers continually with swellings in his two sides.

DIAGNOSIS: Thou shouldst say concerning him: "One having a dislocation in the ribs of his breast. An ailment which I will treat."

TREATMENT: Thou shouldst bind it with ymrw(?); thou shouldst treat afterward with honey every day, until he recovers.

NOTE A: As for: "A dislocation in the ribs of his breast," it means a displacement of the heads of the ribs of his breast (sternum), which are fastened to his breast (sternum).

NOTE B: As for: "He suffers with swellings in his two sides," it means that he suffers in the articulations thereof in his breast (sternum) spreading in his two sides.

NOTE: As for: "His two sides," it means his two flanks.

case forty-two
index of The Edwin Smith Papyrus
case forty-four