Amulet

History of Medicine

Also known as: Talisman, Charm, Apotropaic object

Historical document, translated for reference.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

This article defines the amulet as an object worn on the body to protect against diseases, sorcery, and other misfortunes based on superstitious beliefs. It notes that amulets are also referred to as talismans.

Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)

AMULET (from Latin amoliri—to avert, or from Arabic hamalet—pendant), an object worn on the neck or other parts of the body and which, according to naive belief, protects against sorcery, the evil eye, diseases, and other calamities; an amulet is otherwise called a talisman (from Arabic tilzam—magic picture).

Cite this page

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