Medical Uses of Silver in Ancient Times

Silver is probably the most versatile metal in the world. It's hard to think of another metal which can be used in so many ways. Due to its shiny and reflective nature, silver is commonly used in art objects and jewelry. Silver is also an appreciating commodity with high intrinsic value so it's also an important investment tool. Of course, there are the silver coins and silver treasures too. However, one of the most important uses of silver is in the field of medicine. In fact, the "Father of Medicine," Hippocrates, prescribed "the flowers of silver alone, in the finest powder" as a cure for ulcers and used silver to treat wounds.

The healing properties of silver were known to the ancient civilizations. Ancient Romans touted silver as an element which possessed "magical healing" powers thousands of years ago. In those times, silver was used to prevent infections and quicken the healing of wounds. It was recorded that ancient Egyptians used silver dressings to treat burns. In early 18th century, Angelus Sala, the renowned physician, developed cures for chorea, syphilis and epilepsy using silver nitrate.

Silver was used as an antibiotic long before the word was even coined. The 6th century Persian king, Cyrus the Great, would only drink boiled water from his silver flagons so he would remain healthy and well. In war, a small advantage can turn the tide, especially when the battles get long and brutal. The Persian troops of those times would be equipped with silver flasks before marching off to war so they would not succumb to illnesses or diseases. The Russians also used silver-lined water casks in the Napoleanic wars as well as WWI and WWII to purify waters from streams and rivers.

The term "born with a silver spoon in his mouth" might be derived from the upper classes who ate from silver utensils in the Middle Ages. Somehow, the constant usage of silver tableware caused the skin of the upper classes to turn a little bluish. As such, they were referred to as "blue bloods" because of the silver content in their blood. For some reasons, they had higher immunity against the plagues which were rampant in Europe in those times.

Today, silver is still used in the medical field. It's not so much used as an antibiotic anymore. As the price of silver is appreciating, it's wiser to sell silver when the market is hot. Get in touch with a trusted silver buyer who pays instant cash for silver. There's nothing to lose as you will be offerd the best rates for silver.