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, Genesis 50:2. The Hebrews also had professional physicians, Exodus 21:19 Proverbs 17:22 Matthew 9:12 Luke 4:23; Luke 1:8. 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, Isaiah 1:6 Ezekiel 30:21; though they also prescribed for internal and mental disorders, 1 Samuel 16:16 2 Chronicles 16:12. They made use of sales, balms, and poultices, hyssop, oil baths, mineral baths, and river bathing, with many other remedies, Jeremiah 46:11. Many wickedly had recourse to amulets and enchantments.