For thousands of years people have been aware of copper's antimicrobial properties. Before it was recognized that microorganisms existed, and were responsible for the transmission of infectious diseases, the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans and Aztecs used copper compounds for the treatment of disease and in the practice of good hygiene. Egyptians used copper as a sterilizing agent for drinking water and wounds. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, treated open wounds and skin irritations with copper. The Romans catalogued numerous medicinal uses of copper in the treatment of various diseases. The Aztecs treated sore throats with copper, while in Persia and India copper was being used to treat boils, eye infections and venereal ulcers. Only recently, however, has there been ongoing and exhaustive research taking place to determine why copper and copper alloys have a medicinal effect, and how can it be harnessed and further utilized.
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