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Birth malformations in Babylon and Assyria
1Department of Medical Humanities, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Jcpangas@ciudad.com.ar
American Journal of Medical Genetics
|April 15, 2000
Summary
This study analyzes ancient Mesopotamian cuneiform texts, specifically the "shumma izbu" omen series, detailing the earliest medical descriptions of birth malformations. These four-millennia-old Assyro-Babian texts offer unique insights into early medical history.
Area of Science:
- Medical History
- Assyriology
- Ancient Civilizations
Background:
- The study focuses on cuneiform texts from ancient Mesopotamia, the cradle of civilization.
- It examines the earliest systematic descriptions of congenital anomalies in medical history.
Observation:
- The core of the research is the "shumma izbu" (Izbu) omen text, meaning "if an anomaly."
- This Akkadian text, published in 1970, has primarily remained within Assyriological studies.
Findings:
- The "shumma izbu" text contains systematic descriptions of birth malformations dating back four millennia.
- These ancient texts represent some of the oldest known medical records of congenital anomalies.
Implications:
- Integrating these findings into the history of medicine can provide a deeper understanding of ancient medical knowledge.
- The study highlights the potential of Assyriological texts for advancing the history of disease and medicine.