The earliest-known medical prescriptions appear on a Sumerian clay tablet dating back around 4,000 years. Carefully inscribed into the soft clay, the prescriptions largely revolve around disgusting things, and beer. Here are three samples: Pulverize the roots of the...tree and dried river bitumen; pour beer over it, rub with oil, fasten as a poultice. Pulverize river mud, knead with water, rub with crude oil, and fasten as a poultice. Pour strong beer over the resin of the...plant; heat over…