Osteological evidence of remote penetrating soft tissue trauma in skeletal remains

Excerpt

In ancient Egypt and Greece treatments for penetrating injuries to prevent infection included the washing of wounds with warm water or alcoholic beverages. A variety of topical applications were also used, such as lint as an absorbent, grease as a barrier against external contamination, and honey as a natural anti-bactericidal agent [1‐6]. Pus was removed from wounds in the belief that complete evacuation prevented recurrence [2, 4]. Management strategies for spear and arrow wounds mentioned in Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey around 700 BC included removal of the projectile, rinsing the wound with warm water, and the application of analgesics and styptic herbal medicines [1, 4, 5, 7]. Hippocrates also concluded that the key to successful wound healing included not allowing the wound to remain moist, as drying was conducive to good health, with rest and immobility [4, 5, 7]. …