Table of contents: Acknowledgements Introduction: The Serpent – Mythical Symbol of Life and Renewal PART I: TIMELESS TEACHINGS Chapter 1: A World of Magic – Medicine´s Prehistoric Origins Chapter 2: The Healing Heavens – Medical Foundations in Mesopotamia Chapter 3: Priests and Papyri – Egypt´s Mystical Heritage Chapter 4: Divine Instructions – The Medicine of Ancient Israel Chapter 5: Quetzalcoatl´s Legacy – Medical Practices in the Pre-Columbian Americas Chapter 6: Sacred Hymns, Rational Techniques – Indian Medical LoreChapter 7: The Harmony of Life – China´s Unique Wisdom PART II: CLASSICAL MASTERS Chapter 1: An Oath for All Time – Medical Art in Ancient Greece Chapter 2: Healing an Empire – Roman Therapeutical Concepts Chapter 3: New Religions, Prominent Physicians – Byzantium and the Islamic World Chapter 4: Illuminating the Darkness – The Middle Ages and the Renaissance PART III: HEALING IN A TECHNOLOGICAL AGE Chapter 1: Fervour and Intuition – The Dawn of Modern Science Chapter 2: The Power of Knowledge – Contemporary Dilemmas Chapter 3: Epilogue – A View to the Future Illustrations Bibliography Index