Magician and Leech; A Study in the Beginnings of Medicine with Special Reference to Ancient Egypt
London: Methuen & Co., 1929. First Edition. Octavo. Item #031873
Frontispiece, illustrated. xiii, 157 pages, index. Dawson concentrates on the essential stages by which the magician gradually evolved into physician. That evolution consisted of three main phases: (a) The treatment of disease by magic, associated with spells and incantations, frequently supplemented by amulets and charms charged with occult power; (b) The association of spells and incantations with a manual rite in the form of a drug and (c) the introduction of rational therapeutics, when the scientific spirit was born in the days of the Greek physicians. It also discusses the art of mummification and embalming and the use of various materials. Bound in orange cloth lettered in black, spine lettering black, a very nice copy with a bit of fading to spine, some light finger soiling and rubbing to corners and a few light spots of foxing to fore-edges.
Price: $250.00