4th-6th century, Egypt, single page size ca. 12.4 x 10.5 cm
This ancient magico-medical book originally consisted of eight leaves of which the first is now missing. Today the book comprises 13 inscribed pages preserving 28 ritual instructions. The main language is Coptic but there are also sections in Greek. In some cases it seems that an originally Greek text was translated into Coptic for this manual.
The instructions are focused on medical issues, predominantly in contexts of pregnancy, childbirth, and children, with additional spells addressing other problems like gout, fever, skin deseases and eye disorders.
The codex is dated between the fourth and the sixth century. It was purchased in Medinet al-Fayoum in Egypt and it is likely that it was found in this area as well. Today it is kept at the University of Michigan Library, Ann Arbor, under the inventory number Michigan Ms. 136.
Photos of the manual: Michigan Ms. 136, University of Michigan Library, Ann Arbor
