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 experiences as a physician and Egyptologist to reassess the evidence on ancient Egyptian medical practices. He 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. Nunn appraises the criteria by which the ancient Egyptian doctors made their diagnoses in the context of current medical knowledge, showing that many of their findings are still valid today. Nunn also explores ancient Egyptian spells and incantations and the relationship of magic and religion to medical practices.

Incorporating the most recent insights of modern medicine and Egyptology, Nunn furnishes the reader with a comprehensive and authoritative book on a fascinating subject.