Stock Photo - Niankhre was an ancient Egyptian physician who served at court during the 6th Dynasty of the Old Kingdom (c. 2345-2181 BC). He is known today primarily as the author of a medical text, commonly known as the Papyrus, written around 2230 BC. The Papyrus is the earliest known medical text from the Nile Valley and provides a detailed insight into the mechanics of causation, diagnosis and treatment of various medical conditions. Niankhre's writings also included expert medical advice, such as the use of herbs to cure dermal infections, the need to maintain cleanliness of the living environment and rest as a remedy for fever. Although his advice was certainly not definitive, he was one of the first to recognize the importance of careful documentation in medical diagnosis and treatment.