PHYSICIANS
PHYSICIANS
The medical skill of the Egyptians was widely celebrated. Each physician confined his practice to diseases of a single class, and thus a large household would require the attendance of numerous physicians, Gen 50:2 . The Hebrews also had professional physicians, Exo 21:19 Pro 17:22 Mat 9:12 Luk 4:23 8:43. In the early ages they had little anatomical skill, partly on account of the ceremonial defilement caused by touching a corpse. They gave their attention to external rather than to internal injuries and diseases, Isa 1:6 Eze 30:21 ; though they also prescribed for internal and mental disorders, 1Sa 16:16 2Ch 16:12 . They made use of sales, balms, and poultices, hyssop, oil baths, mineral baths, and river bathing, with many other remedies, Jer 46:11 . Many wickedly had recourse to amulets and enchantments.