Open AccessHistoryMedicine

C. Reck, Reck Christiane, Adam Benkato, Benkato Adam

2018.12.15Written Monuments of the Orient

DOI: 10.17816/wmo35157

tlooto Summary

An edition and translation of the text are provided and it is identified as, like much of Sogdian medicine, possible Sanskrit origin and within a comparative context including recipes for virginal simulation occuring in Arabic, Chagatai, Greek, and Latin medieval works.

Abstract

Among the fragments of Sogdian medical texts is what seems to be a collection of gynaecological prescriptions, including a recipe for the restoration of virginity. In addition to providing an edition and translation of the text, we attempt to set it within a comparative context including recipes for virginal simulation occuring in Arabic, Chagatai, Greek, and Latin medieval works. Finally, we identify the text as, like much of Sogdian medicine, possible Sanskrit origin, and give an overview of the Sogdian medical fragments so far identified.

Citation format

RECK, C., et al. ‘Like a virgin’: A sogdian recipe for restoring virginity and the sanskrit background of sogdian medicine. Written Monuments of the Orient, 2018.