in antiquity and the middle ages, most jews, christians, and muslims in the orient believed in the protective and healing power of amulets or blessed objects. talismans used by these peoples can be broken down into three main categories: talismans carried or worn on the body, talismans hung upon or above the bed of an infirm person, and medicinal talismans. this third category can be further divided into external and internal talismans. for example, an external amulet can be placed in a bath.