The Edwin Smith Surgical Papyrus

Description:

Published in Facsimile and Hieroglyphic Transliteration with Translation and Commentary. (University of Chicago Oriental Institute Publications. Vols III + IV). Text vol. (4to) contains 8 photographic plates; Plate vol. (folio) contains 22 facsimile reproductions of the papyrus, together with facing hieroglyphic transliterations.

'Edwin Smith, pioneer Egyptologist, purchased at Luxor in 1862 the papyrus which bears his name .... The original text was written about 3000 B.C. and the present manuscript is a copy dating about 1600 B.C. It is the oldest know surgical treatise and consists entirely of case reports; it describes 47 different cases of injuries and affections of the head, nose and mouth, together with methods of bandaging' - Garrison & Morton 5547.

Condition

2 vols, 4to/folio, orig. brown cloth with buckram spines (minor rubbing). Some scattered marginal foxing to text volume. Vg set. From the library of Prof. A.J.E. Cave. Presentation inscription from the author to Sir Charles Ballance (1856-1936) [English surgeon, specialising in otology and neurotology; first president of Society of British Neurological Surgeons]. Letter enclosed from Ballance to Sir Arthur Keith (1866-1955) [Scottish anatomist and anthropologist; Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons], written by his nurse during his final illness, in which he presents the books to Keith, 'as the last token of my admiration and affection'. Book plates of Arthur Keith. The books subsequently passed to Cave. Photograph of Ballance also enclosed.