The Divine Origin of the Craft of the Herbalist

by E.A. Wallis Budge

The Divine Origin of the Craft of the Herbalist is a book written by E. A. Wallis Budge. The book explores the history and origins of herbalism as a craft and its connection to ancient Egyptian religion and mythology. Budge argues that the use of herbs for medicinal purposes has been a part of human history since the earliest civilizations, and that the ancient Egyptians were particularly skilled in the use of herbs for healing.The book delves into the various herbs used by the ancient Egyptians, their medicinal properties, and the rituals and incantations used to invoke their healing powers. Budge also examines the role of the herbalist in ancient Egyptian society, and how they were revered as healers and respected members of the community.Throughout the book, Budge draws on ancient Egyptian texts and mythology to support his arguments about the divine origins of herbalism. He also includes illustrations and diagrams to help readers better understand the various herbs and their uses.Overall, The Divine Origin of the Craft of the Herbalist provides a fascinating look at the history and spiritual significance of herbalism, and its enduring importance in human health and wellbeing.This remarkable book traces the history of herbs far back into antiquity, and shows that the gods themselves were believed to be the original healers, not only by revealing the knowledge of their healing properties to mankind but by creating the sustaining herbs out of their own bodies.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

Genres: Nonfiction

112 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1927

About the author

Sir Ernest Alfred Thompson Wallis Budge was an English Egyptologist, Orientalist, and philologist who worked for the British Museum and published numerous works on the ancient Near East.

Reviews

[Cevizin_kitaplari]

Sir Ernest Alfred Thompson Wallis Budge (1857–1934) was a British Egyptologist, Assyriologist, and scholar of oriental languages. During his time, he was one of the most prolific figures introducing ancient Near Eastern civilizations to the Western world. He translated both Assyro-Babylonian tablets and Egyptian hieroglyphic texts, making them accessible to researchers. Although some of his interpretations are debated today, his work in preserving and sharing ancient manuscripts remains incredibly valuable.


As for the content:
Budge explores how the use of plants for healing is intertwined with myths, gods, and ancient beliefs. Plants are not only medicines but also hold sacred meaning. We encounter stories where gods teach humans about healing herbs, or even create plants from their own divine essence. These traditions were preserved in temples and sacred rituals, emphasizing that medicine and religion were once inseparable.

The book takes us from Mesopotamia to Egypt, showing how different civilizations believed that healing came from the gods. Reading these sections, I found myself reflecting on humanity’s deep connection with nature — a bond that feels both ancient and enduring.

Budge’s language is dense but clear. He writes in an academic tone, yet manages to keep the myths vivid and alive. The herbal knowledge of the ancient world is explored through scientific, cultural, and spiritual dimensions, highlighting that healing concerns not only the body but also the soul.

Chapters include: Ancient Gods and Divine Medicines, The Divine Herbal Healers, Water, Divinely Created Herbs, Egyptian Herbal and Medical Texts, Sacred Oils, Healing Ointments, Sumerian and Assyrian Herbs, Greek-Latin-Syrian-Arabian Herbs, Coptic Plant Lists, and Ethiopian Medicinal Plants.

Even though it’s nonfiction and I thought I’d read it slowly alongside other books, it flowed effortlessly — full of fascinating details and written in a style that feels almost conversational.

[ryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

despite Budge's constant interjections of sneering disdain for the 'savage and superstitious' beliefs and practices of the oldest civilizations, there is much of interest in his tracing of a transmission of knowledge throughout northern Africa, the middle east, and the Mediterranean in antiquity.

i was particularly cheered to find the etymology of "alchemy" as coming from the Arabic particle al and Kemeia, "the land of black earth" -- an old name for Egypt -- hence, the art of the Egyptians. Budge draws connections in lineage and application from Egypt and Akkadia through Greek, Latin, Ethiopian, Assyrian, Arabic, and finally Coptic herbals, and while in this short volume none of these are covered in great depth, the broad strokes give a clear picture of the course of this art and science through that span of time.