Why Did Ancient Egyptians Use Mice to Cure Toothaches?

It's a question that might well be met with raised eyebrows today, but in ancient Egypt, the use of mice to treat toothaches was a common practice. This method of alleviating pain was part of a broader array of unconventional treatments used in both ancient and medieval times. While modern dentistry has moved away from such practices, examining these historical remedies offers fascinating insights into the evolving understanding of medical practices.

Understanding the Context

Medicine in ancient Egypt was a blend of empirical knowledge and religious practices. Many treatments were rooted in the belief systems of the time, with the understanding of the human body far from what we know today. The use of mice in dental care was one such practice, believed to have originated from ancient texts and passed down through generations.

Ancient Egyptian Medical Practices

Various ancient Egyptian medical texts, such as the Ebers Papyrus and the Edwin Smith Papyrus, detail a wide range of treatments for dental ailments. Mice were used for various purposes, with a focus on their roles in these ancient practices:

Much More Than Toothaches: Ancient Egyptian Dental Treatments

Ancient Egyptians were not the only ones to use unconventional methods for dental care. Their remedies are part of a broader tradition dating back to medieval times in Europe. Some of these remedies were as follows:

1. Mice for Toothaches

One of the most peculiar methods was the use of a dead mouse placed in the mouth. This practice was based on the belief that the presence of a mouse, alive or dead, had a special efficacy in alleviating toothache pain. The reasoning behind this was likely to do with the idea of promoting blood flow and drawing out the pain.

2. Mouse Poultices

Another method involved blending a mashed mouse with other ingredients to create a poultice. This poultice was then applied to the affected area. The combination of the mouse’s nutrients and the poultice’s medicinal properties made it a desired treatment for easing pain.

3. Warts and Mice

In Elizabethan England, mice were also used to treat warts. A common remedy was to cut a live or dead mouse in half and apply it to the wart. This practice was believed to draw out the problem by literally 'sucking' it away.

Considerations and Controversies

The use of mice in these treatments raises several interesting questions. Firstly, it highlights the complex relationship between empirical observation and superstition in ancient medicine. Many of these practices, while now seen as archaic, were based on keen observations and early attempts at medical science.

The Price of Pain Relief

The cost of these remedies, both in terms of health and ethics, was extremely high. Using live mice for treatment often meant causing unnecessary harm to the creatures. Additionally, placing a mouse in the mouth or cutting it in half to treat a skin condition, such as a wart, is a practice that modern medical ethics would find highly problematic.

Modern Learning from Ancient Practices

While the use of dead mice for toothaches is abhorrent by modern standards, studying such practices can offer valuable insights into the evolution of medical practices. Understanding the historical context and the rationale behind these remedies can help us appreciate the advancements in dentistry that we enjoy today.

Evolving Medical Practices

The question of why ancient Egyptians (and later societies) used mouse remedies is now better understood through the lens of cultural and historical context. These practices were not simply whimsical beliefs but part of a complex tapestry of knowledge and superstition. Understanding these historical methods contributes to our knowledge of how medical science has evolved over time.