ABSTRACT

THAT THE Jews have borrowed many superstitions which still prevail in their midst cannot be denied, but their specific Jewish character becomes evident in what they have refused to accept. This obstinate refusal extends not only to ethical and religious domains, but also to folk-medicine. Jewish contributions to medical science go back to the early centuries of the present era, but the Mosaic Law already contains medical prescriptions which will stand the test of modern science. The rest on the day of Sabbath is a measure of social hygiene, and the same may be said of the regulations concerning sexual intercourse. The isolation of persons afflicted with contagious diseases, the mistrust of uncovered water and the disinfection of soldiers, are all regulations based on medical science, so that even Tacitus paid a tribute to the Jews in this respect. In exile the Jews studied Aristotle, Celsus and Galen, and Jewish physicians were acquainted with gynecology and knew and practised the Caesarean section. Jews distinguished themselves as physicians among the Arabs and in Christian Europe. Popes, in spite of the prevailing hostility towards Israel, appointed Jews as their private physicians. Popular beliefs, however, and folk-medicine are to be found among the Jews as among their Christian neighbours.