Ancient Egyptian Medicine / Edition 1

by John F. Nunn

Overview

The skills of the ancient Egyptians in preserving bodies through mummification are well known, but less recognized is their expertise in the everyday medical practices needed to treat the living. John F. Nunn draws on his own experience as a physician and Egyptologist to reassess the evidence on ancient Egyptian medical practices. Nunn has translated and reconsidered the original Egyptian medical papyri and has re-evaluated other sources of information, including skeletons, mummies, statues, tomb paintings, and sarcophagi.

Illustrations highlight similarities in the conditions of ancient and modern patients, and Nunn appraises the criteria ancient Egyptian doctors used to make their diagnoses in the context of current medical knowledge—showing that many of their findings are still valid today. He also explores ancient Egyptian spells and incantations and the relationship of magic and religion to medical practices.

Incorporating recent insights of modern medicine and Egyptology, Nunn provides readers with a comprehensive and authoritative book on a fascinating subject.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780806135045
Publisher:	University of Oklahoma Press
Publication date:	12/09/2002
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	242
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.51(d)

About the Author

John F. Nunn retired as head of the Anaesthesia Division of the Clinical Research Center, British Medical Research Council. A member of the Egypt Exploration Society, he is the author of a number of medical articles and books that have become standard works.

Editorial Reviews

"Nunn has spent over twenty years elucidating the intricacies of ancient Egyptian medicine. It is impossible in a short review to do justice to the extraordinary breadth and scholarship of this beautifully produced and illustrated text. Long may he continue to illuminate the many mysteries that remain."—BMJ: British Medical Journal

From the Publisher

Retired anesthesiologist and member of the Egypt Exploration Society, Nunn translates and reviews original Egyptian medical papyri; integrates evidence from skeletons, mummies, statues, tomb paintings, and coffins; and evaluates the medical practice of ancient Egypt in terms of modern medical thought. He also explores the role of spells, incantations, and other aspects of magic and religion. An extensive compilation and interpretation of material. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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