The Balm of Gilead
- 1 June 1976
- journal article
- research article
- Published by American Medical Association (AMA) in Archives of Dermatology
- Vol. 112 (6) , 881
- https://doi.org/10.1001/archderm.1976.01630300077021
Abstract
To the Editor.— As part of the therapy of desperation in the attempted treatment of post-herpetic neuralgia in a elderly member of the clergy, a prescription for the Balm of Gilead was written that, incidentally, he took to his pharmacist without glancing at. This suggestion was also ineffective. The Balm of Gilead was an important topical medication mentioned in the Bible: "A group of Ishmaelites who were coming from Gilead, their camels laden with gum tracacanth, balsam, and resin which they were taking down into Egypt" (Genesis 37:25). In the lamentations of the prophet during a famine (Jeremiah 8:22), there is this inquiry: "Is there no more Balm of Gilead anymore? Is there no doctor there?" We also find in Jeremiah 46:11, "Go up to Gilead in search of balm."1-3 Reichert4 has shown me the fascinating book of Tahkemoni of Judah Al-Harizi. Again, this famous balm is praised:This publication has 2 references indexed in Scilit:
- White spots in biblical times. A background for the dermatologist for participation in discussions of current revisions of the bibleArchives of Dermatology, 1966
- A Dermatologist Excoriates Bits of World Literature and Even Smaller Bits of MusicArchives of Dermatology, 1960