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Mesopotamian
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Medicine in Assyria and Babylonia was influenced by demonology and
magical practices. Surprisingly accurate terra-cotta models of the
liver, then considered the seat of the soul, indicate the importance
attached to the study of that organ in determining the intentions
of the gods. Dreams also were studied to learn the gods' intentions.
While
magic played a role in healing, surviving cuneiform tablets indicate
a surprisingly empirical approach to some diseases. The tablets
present an extensive series of medical case histories, indicating
a large number of medical remedies were used in Mesopotamia, including
more than 500 drugs made from plants, trees, roots, seeds, and minerals.
Emollient enemas were given to reduce inflammation; massage was
performed to ease gastric pain; the need for rest and quiet was
stressed for some diseases; and some attention was paid to diet.
Water was regarded as particularly important, since it was the sacred
element of the god Ea, the chief among the numerous healing gods.
The serpent Sachan was also venerated as a medical deity.
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