[Use of bitumen in medicine throughout the ages]

Hist Sci Med. 2011 Apr-Jun;45(2):119-25.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Bitumen, which results of the storage of organic material and of the decomposition in process of time, was used since ancient times for cosmetic, art and the caulk of boats. So, mummies were treated by bitumen to improve their preservation. But bitumen was held to be useful to cure varying pulmonary, digestive, ENT troubles and even to set fractures. Besides, bitumen was used to realize the first photograph. In Iran, bitumen is yet used to improve the quality of the skin, but mixed with to limit its toxicity.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • History, Ancient
  • History, Medieval
  • Humans
  • Hydrocarbons / history*
  • Mummies / history

Substances

  • Hydrocarbons
  • asphalt