Abracadabra

History of Medicine

Also known as: Abracadabra amulet

Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.

This article describes the historical origins of the term 'abracadabra' as an amulet used in ancient Rome. It explains its derivation from 'abraxas' and details the specific triangular arrangement used for protection against fever.

Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)

ABRACADABRA, originates from the word abraxas (see); an amulet recommended by Sammonicus in Rome (3rd century) to be worn on the body against fever. Abracadabra was depicted on a tablet or paper in the following manner: abracadabra bracadabra racadabra acadabra cadabra adabra dabra abra bra

Cite this page

“Abracadabra.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/abracadabra/