Magico-Medical Means of Treating Ghost-Induced Illness in Ancient Mesopotamia (Ancient Magic and Divination) [Hardcover]

JoAnn Scurlock (Author)

Book Description

Series: Ancient Magic and Divination | Publication Date: February 28, 2006

This work explores the interaction between magic and medicine in ancient Mesopotamia, as applied specifically to ghosts. Included is a discussion of sin and natural causes in Mesopotamian medicine. Additionally, it transliterates and translates 352 prescriptions designed to cure psychological and physical ailments thought to be caused by ghosts.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

JoAnn Scurlock holds a BA and Ph.D. in Assyriology from the University of Chicago. She teaches in the History and Political Science Departments at Elmhurst College and is author of numerous articles and reviews covering various aspects, in particular religion, magic and/or medicine, of Ancient Near Eastern Civilizations.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 800 pages
• Publisher: Brill Academic Pub (February 28, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9004123970
• ISBN-13: 978-9004123977
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 7 x 2.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,514,823 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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4.0 out of 5 stars A True Classic......, June 8, 2011

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This review is from: Magico-Medical Means of Treating Ghost-Induced Illness in Ancient Mesopotamia (Ancient Magic and Divination) (Hardcover)

Although some of the material is missing, which is understandable after a few thousand years in existence, this book attempts to cover the topic of entity induced illness as best as can be expected. One also has to understand the difference in cultures over such a vast timeline. At our base, everything is energy, and it is quite plausible for entities to occupy parts of our bodies and feed off our vital life force. Shamans have known this all along, and still treat victims of certain ailments in a fashion similar to the ancient Sumerians. Before criticizing this type of medicine, contemplate this....most modern medicine is mostly a product of the pharmaceutical industry, with the primary goal of treating, not curing a patient, hardly what I would call progress....IMO.