“On the whole, Egyptians took a more active role in their destinies, starting with a healthy living regime. Besides the several baths everyone took during the day, men and women alike shaved all the hair from their heads and bodies to minimize the dangers of bacteria and germs. Then came certain dietary restrictions, such as not eating raw fish, and strict guidelines for analyzing dreams to discover any misfortunes on the horizon. To alleviate aches and pains, certain preparations were made. The Papyrus Edwin Smith relates what to do in the case of wounds—those received in battle as well in the course of everyday life. The Papyrus Eber is much longer and broader and includes everything from hair-replacement compounds (the Egyptians’ practice of shaving their heads not withstanding) and wrinkle creams to what is billed as “delightful remedy against death” (half an onion mixed in froth of beer). This is the source of the famous prescription to treat a black eye with a slab of raw beef and a very sensible direction to eat figs and wash them down with beer for constipation.” (

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Although the SARS epidemic seems to be on the wane several valuable lessons may be learned from its effects. Firstly, new viruses can be hard to contain but reining in damaging misinformation …