One is impressed by the richness of the pharmacopoeia, and the high development which the art of pharmacy must have attained.

There were gargles, salves, snuffs, inhalations, suppositories, fumigations, enemata, poultices and plasters; and they knew the use of opium, hemlock, the copper salts, squills and castor oil.

Surgery was not very highly developed, but the knife and actual cautery were freely used.

Ophthalmic surgery was practiced by specialists, and there are many prescriptions in the papyri for ophthalmia.
One department of Egyptian medicine reached a high stage of development, vis., hygiene.

Cleanliness of the dwellings, of the cities and of the person was regulated by law, and the priests set a splendid example in their frequent ablutions, shaving of the entire body, and the spotless cleanliness of their clothing.