Unearthing the Edwin Smith Surgical Papyrus

Published28 Apr 2025
Source University of Washington

An ancient Egyptian document written around 1700 BC is believed to be the oldest medical record mentioning the brain.

Learn more about the hieroglyphic text, now known as the Edwin Smith Surgical Papyrus, from the University of Washington.

CONTENT PROVIDED BY

University of Washington

References

van Middendorp, J. J., Sanchez, G. M., & Burridge, A. L. (2010). The Edwin Smith papyrus: a clinical reappraisal of the oldest known document on spinal injuries. European Spine Journal, 19(11), 1815–1823. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-010-1523-6