The Eye of Providence and the Hamsa in medicine.

The mural of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh contains a unique symbol of an eye placed in the palm of a hand. The symbol is known by many names-the Eye of Providence, the All-Seeing Eye, and the Eye of Horus-and has been a central symbol of religious and medical organizations across many cultures, including Egyptian, British, Indian, and American. The symbol is also representative of the Hamsa. In Arabic cultures, the Hamsa is a palm-shaped amulet that is popular in jewelry and wall hangings. It is a symbol of protection against evil. Both symbols have an important history with regards to medical practice. This paper examines the history of the Eye of Providence and the Hamsa with regard to their use and meaning within the medical profession.