The place of magic in the practice of medicine in ancient Egypt

Since magic was primarily practised for the prevention and curing of human suffering, there was a close link between magic and medicine. Every clinical state was considered to be due to "possession" by one or more demons, and the main task of the physician was to expel this demon. Simultaneous employment of medication and an appropriate spell made medicine effective. Conjuring a parallel mythical precedent permitted the physician to exploit the power and ambience of that archetype healing event and so to ensure success in dealing with the current situation. Especially myths concerning a successful healing of Horus by Isis were often used. Magic was not only practised for the curing of patients, but also to ward off demons from healthy people. The author quotes a number of passages from the medical papyri: Pap. E. Smith; Pap. Hearst; Pap. Ebers; and from the magical Pap. Leiden 348. (OEB)