Egyptian Chemistry and Medicine

Egyptian Chemistry and Alchemy

• Egyptians were skilled in practical chemistry, particularly in areas of metallurgy, cosmetics, and leather treatment.
• Fermentation was discovered, resulting in the widespread production of beer in Egypt and Mesopotamia.
• Alexandrian period saw an increase in experimental chemistry, but the lack of solid principles led to continued attribution of successes to magical or religious factors.
• Early “scientific” principles emerged from the distinction between matter and form.
• Egyptians were able to manipulate copper through treatments, resulting in changes in its form, but this was attributed to magical transmutations, mimicking the work of the gods.
• The goal of turning base metals into gold was highly speculative and fueled by alchemical beliefs.

Egyptian Medicine

• Egyptian Physicians relied heavily on empirically-based knowledge passed down through generations.
• Magical-religious elements remained significant in medical practice.
• Scientific medicine flourished in the Old Kingdom, but declined later alongside the social standing of physicians.
• The Smith papyrus, considered a genuine surgical treatise, covers a range of medical conditions and reveals a focus on observation and treatment.
• The Ebers papyrus, though later, shows less emphasis on observation and treatment, incorporating more magical elements and bizarre remedies.
• Both papyri reveal the existence of various medical practices, including suppositories, vaginal tampons, and dental fillings.
• Magical practices were prevalent in disease treatment, with illnesses being attributed to entities or hostile forces.
• Healing became the domain of magicians, incorporating incantations, charms, and exorcisms.
• Papyri also contain treatises on general medicine and surgery, including ophthalmology, dentistry, and obstetrics.
• The lack of anatomical or physiological understanding, despite embalming practices, hindered advancement in medical knowledge.
• Common ailments among Egyptians included malaria and schistosomiasis, linked to proximity to swamps and impure water.

Egyptian Metalworking

• Egypt excelled in metalworking despite not reaching the level of other ancient cultures.
• Memphis remains reveal a complete manufacturing process for producing high-quality instruments and weapons.
• Metal objects were often made using open molds with simple shapes.
• Weapons and tools were strengthened through beating in heat.
• Small furnaces fueled by charcoal limited the temperature and advancements in the manufacturing process.
• Bellows and conical clay crucibles were introduced in the New Kingdom to improve melting and casting.

Egyptian Glassmaking

• Egyptians are believed to have discovered glass by accident.
• Early glass objects were small and primarily decorative, with added substances for color and shine.
• Glassmaking involved melting silica, calcium, sodium, and quartz sand at high temperatures.
• Sodium-based additives reduced the melting temperature, allowing for lower-temperature working.
• Around 1500 BC, new coloring and melting techniques led to the production of larger objects.
• “Combing” technique involved wrapping colored glass threads around a clay goblet to create decorative patterns.
• Multi-layered glass objects with double walls were achieved through improved techniques.
• Hollow glass was created by submerging a mixture of clay and sand in molten glass and scraping it off after cooling.
• Colored glass threads were used to coat a combination of earth and sand, creating intricate glass objects.
• The Egyptians’ practical approach to glass and metalworking focused on everyday needs rather than speculative science and experiments.

Egyptian Technological Innovations

• Alexandrian scientists pursued technical applications of their discoveries.
• Water clocks and other contraptions were built.
• A steam kettle, although not fully developed due to limitations in metalworking, was designed and sketched.
• This invention highlights the Egyptians' ingenuity in addressing daily tasks, but insufficient metalworking technology hindered its full realization.