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Pubmed for Handhelds

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  • Title: Peseshkef: the first special-purpose surgical instrument.
    Author: Harer WB.
    Journal: Obstet Gynecol; 1994 Jun; 83(6):1053-5. PubMed ID: 8190422.
    Abstract:
    The Peseshkef, a prehistoric flint knife in the shape of a fish tail, was used in Egypt to cut the umbilical cord at birth, circa 5000 BC. This was the first special-purpose surgical instrument. Because of the importance of rebirth in the Egyptian religion, a stylized knife with magical properties became part of the equipment for the "opening of the mouth" ceremony to permit a mummy to partake of nourishment in the afterlife. It also became the emblem of the birth goddess, Meskhenet.
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