This is the first comprehensive compendium of all known remedies and treatments used by the Hittites. The source texts are ritual descriptions and formularies from the 15th to 13th centuries BC preserved from the archives of the Hittite capital of Hattusa. The ritual treatments often lasted for several days and had an obvious psychotherapeutic approach which adds significantly to their value as curative magic. The formulas demonstrate the close admixture of magical practices and pharmacological knowledge.

A reference work on the history of Ancient Oriental medicine, magic and pharmacology.

Volkert Haas, Freie Universität Berlin.